There is hereby created, within the office of cultural development of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the division of historic preservation, which shall be referred to as the “division” for purposes of this Chapter.  The division shall serve as the staff of the appointed state historic preservation officer for federal programs that pertain to historic buildings, structures, and places as such appointment is required by the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. § 470 et seq.  It will also serve in this capacity regarding the state historic preservation officer’s responsibilities under federal and state laws as provided in this Chapter.

Acts 1997, No. 785, §1.