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Tuesday, December 2, 2003

The Bush administration is asking Congress to give the Department of Transportation more power to approve highway projects affecting historic properties.

Officials say the current law, known as Section 4(f), doesn't allow for flexibility. They want greater discretion to resolve disputes between highway builders and those who who want to protect historic sites, landmarks and areas.

But historic preservation groups are opposing the change. They say highway builders will have no incentive to negotiate if the law is taken away. The National Trust for Historic Preservation cites Section 4(f) in its battle to protect the homeland of the Creek Nation in Georgia from a highway project.

Last week, the mayor of Macon said the tribe will drop its opposition to a highway extension as long as it doesn't affect sacred sites. The Creek Nation did not comment to The Macon Telegraph about its meeting with the mayor.

Get the Story:
Ohio River Plan Highlights Rift Over Historic Preservation (The Washington Post 12/2)
Ellis says Creek Nation backs highway plan (The Macon Telegraph 11/27)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Bush trying to weaken preservation law (11/12)
Army Corps wants to allow clay mine in Creek homeland (11/05)
List highlights threats to sacred and historic sites (05/30)

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