1. The commissioner shall continue and advance a statewide historic preservation program which shall include:
(a) Surveying and inventorying historic places and properties for nomination to the national register and state register of historic places; and
(b) Continuing planning activities to foster the preservation and management of historic properties as living parts of our communities and the effective representation of historic preservation in state environmental planning activities; and
(c) Administering a program of grants with funds available from the federal government and funds appropriated by the state for the purpose of assisting local and regional preservation programs or projects preserving historic properties for public benefit; and
(d) Assisting and encouraging local governments and private agencies and individuals to expand and advance their historic preservation programs and activities; and
(e) Educating the public by increasing awareness and pride in historic and cultural resources and the opportunities for continuing use and adaptive reuse of historic properties.
2. For the purpose of implementing and coordinating the statewide historic preservation program established pursuant to the provisions of this article and such other provisions of law which may be applicable, every state agency shall have a preservation officer who as defined in this article shall serve as liaison to the commissioner on matters affecting historic preservation in relation to properties within their respective jurisdictions. For the purposes of this article, the responsibility of an agency preservation officer shall extend to all property owned by or held on behalf of the people of the state by the agency of which he is an officer. Each agency preservation officer may delegate the liaison role created pursuant to this article by submitting the name of the designee or designees, in writing, to the commissioner. For the purpose of implementing and coordinating the statewide historic preservation program pursuant to the provisions of this article and such other provisions of law which may be applicable to local government programs for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of the historical, architectural, archeological and cultural environment, the chief executive officer or the designee of such officer or each municipality in the state shall serve as liaison to the commissioner on matters affecting historic preservation in relation to properties within such officer’s respective jurisdiction.
3. The commissioner may prepare and distribute informational material and conduct informational meetings and other sessions for agency preservation officers and municipal officials appropriate to the promotion of state and local preservation activities and the proper fulfillment of their liaison role.
4. Each agency preservation officer shall and municipal officials may: cooperate with the commissioner concerning the conduct of a comprehensive survey of historic resources which shall be used in the compilation of a comprehensive inventory of historic property; advise the commissioner concerning state and local historic preservation policy and programs, and assist the commissioner in the preparation of reports.
