1. (a) Affirming its dedication to the accurate depiction of Texas heritage and to the historical integrity of each historic site, building, and structure, the commission directs the executive director to implement the following guidelines in the preparation of development programs for each historic site, building and structure.

   1. (1) The authentic representation of a historic site or structure is of paramount importance to its value in interpreting Texas heritage. Authenticity is measured in part by original location, material, and craftsmanship. Authenticity is further achieved through preservation, restoration, and reconstruction in accord with documented historical, archeological, and architectural information.
   2. (2) The historical integrity of a historic site or structure must be preserved and encroachments in the form of auxiliary management and public facilities must be avoided. Original material and original design intent and execution must not be obscured or destroyed to facilitate interpretation or promote visitor convenience except when unavoidable to comply with rules or statutes pertaining to health, safety or architectural barriers.
   3. (3) Historic sites and structures acquired by the department are of statewide historical significance and interpretation shall reflect the overall statewide interpretive goals set forth in §59.42 of this title (relating Chronology and Thematic Organization).

2. (b) The executive director shall initiate a development program for historic sites after department acquisition as soon as feasible in view of available funds and staff requirements. The commission policy on planning procedures shall be followed during the progress of development of historic sites and structures. The development program shall include the following as required by each individual site:

   1. (1) an analysis of the condition of the site as it exists at time of acquisition.

   2. (2) an in-depth study of the site, including historical, architectural, and archeological research, and a program outlining the interpretive value and presentation at one or more historic sites. The interpretative value for a site shall include the following.

      1. (A) Primary interpretation. The thematic representation and importance of the site as portrayed in site through planned development.
      2. (B) Secondary interpretation. The thematic representation and importance of the site which can be supported at the site by means of documentation or artifact presentation from one or more other sites or sources.
   3. (3) an evaluation of the site to outline and recommend other than historic features of a site, such as recreational, scenic, or natural.

3. (c) The commission finds that a state historic sites program representing the broad heritage of the State of Texas depends upon the conservation of structures and sites possessing outstanding historical or cultural significance. To ensure the highest degree of professional proficiency in restoration and preservation, the commission directs the executive director to establish an equitable system for the awarding of projects to private firms desiring departmental restoration contracts, considering the following.

   1. (1) Architectural/engineering firms. The commission directs the executive director to ensure that all sources of information are utilized regarding the qualifications and competence of architectural/engineering firms desiring restoration work with the department. These sources include Comptroller of Public Accounts - Texas Facilities Commission files on all firms expressing an interest in state building projects, departmental files on private firms expressing an interest in restoration projects, Texas Historical Commission files, and professional societies with architectural/engineering disciplines. The formulation and subsequent approval of the historical development plan shall precede the selection of a suitable firm inasmuch as this facilitates the consideration of firms which have exhibited a proficiency commensurate with the nature of the specific project, and should meet Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Consultation with the various firms under consideration if marginal qualifications exist shall be a standard procedure to further determine the firms' capabilities for the approved project.
   2. (2) Construction contractors. The commission directs the executive director to ensure that an evaluation of the qualifications and competency of any restoration contractor precedes an invitation to bid on department contracts. Special conditions for the bidding shall be included in the project specifications to further qualify the restoration ability of contractors for specific projects.

Source Note:The provisions of this §59.44 adopted to be effective January 2, 1997, 21 TexReg 12420; amended to be effective April 23, 2001, 26 TexReg 3023; amended to be effective August 10, 2009, 34 TexReg 5394.