Public notice regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities

PUBLIC NOTICE

Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of Safeguarding Appalachian History in the Appalshop Archive

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has offered Appalshop, Inc., a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building Grant (CHA-276844) to make critical repairs and renovations to its main building and add a temporary storage container on the property. NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 470. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.

The proposed undertaking involves the building and property located at 91 Madison Ave., Whitesburg, KY, 41858-9317. The building is located outside of the Whitesburg Historic District but may be eligible for listing on the NRHP under Criterion A. The building is an 8,000 square foot, 100-year-old, three-story, brick and wood structure. Previous uses include a former wholesale grocery warehouse and one-time bottling plant. It was previously renovated in 1982.

NEH supporting work includes the following activities:

* replacement of the metal warehouse roof and replacement of upper rubber roof;

* window replacement and repair;

* warehouse renovations, including framing new walls and preparing floors for movable archival shelving; and

* installation of a ground level storage container

As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting comments is December 27, 2021.