2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 46 - Historic Preservation Office (§§ 1111 — 1116) › § 1112 - Powers and duties

The Office shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Fulfill the responsibilities assigned to the Commonwealth Official pursuant to Public Law No. 89-665, as mentioned in § 1111 of this title, known as the National Historic Preservation Act , to wit:
(1) Coordinate and conduct research and studies to ascertain which properties are historic and maintain an inventory of the same, in cooperation with federal and Commonwealth agencies, private organizations and individuals.
(2) Identify, nominate and distribute applications for nominating properties eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
(3) Draft and implement a Commonwealth Plan for Historic Preservation.
(4) Administer the Commonwealth Program of Federal Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Properties [in] the Commonwealth.
(5) Provide advice and assistance to federal and Commonwealth agencies, including the municipalities of Puerto Rico, in compliance with its responsibilities for historic preservation.
(6) Cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, federal and Commonwealth agencies, private organizations and individuals to ensure that the historic properties be considered throughout all planning and development stages.
(7) Provide public information, education, training and technical assistance in historic preservation.
(8) Cooperate with and provide technical assistance to local governments for the development of historic preservation programs.
(9) Consult with federal agencies concerning the projects under their direct or indirect jurisdiction that may affect historic properties in order to protect them and minimize and mitigate potential damages.
(10) Provide advise in the evaluation of proposals for rehabilitation projects that might qualify for federal financial assistance.
(b) Recommend to the Governor and the Legislature of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, the public policy regarding the preservation of historic properties or resources, as defined in Section 301 of Public Law No. 89-665.
(c) Make recommendations and provide technical assistance to the Governor on all matters related to culture, planning and urban development for the preparation of development plans and projects and projects for the preservation of historic properties in Puerto Rico.
(d) Review and appraise projects and activities for the development and preservation of historic properties in Puerto Rico consistent with the public policy established by the federal government.
(e) Conduct research, studies, inspections and analyses that foster the infrastructure needed to comply with this chapter.
(f) Actively explore the acquisition of funds from public, semipublic and/or private funds in order to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
(g) Solicit, accept and obtain the cooperation and the technical and economic assistance of federal, Commonwealth and municipal agencies according to the provisions of the aforementioned Public Law No. 89-665 and any other federal, Commonwealth and municipal laws for the development of projects.
(h) Coordinate and supervise the administration and development of various buildings of historic and architectural value in Barrio Ballajá, Cuartel de Ballajá and its plazas, Paseo Jardín, Paseo Norzagaray, Plaza del V Centenario, Plaza de la Beneficencia, Plaza del Soportal, Galería del Soportal, Ballajá Underground Parking and the former Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.
(i) Make recommendations and provide technical assistance for taking steps leading to achieve the restoration, rehabilitation and stabilization of the Palacio de Santa Catalina and other Fortaleza dependencies in order to ensure their preservation and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
(j) Make recommendations and provide technical assistance for taking steps leading to achieve the restoration, rehabilitation and stabilization of those historic properties delegated by the Governor of Puerto Rico, the federal government, the Legislature of Puerto Rico and/or by agreement with municipal governments.
(k) Contract the services of individuals and public and private entities, as well as with others deemed necessary to carry out its functions.
History —Aug. 21, 2000, No. 183, § 3.