The City of Covington is inviting public input on a proposed Programmatic Agreement related to the redevelopment of the former IRS site, now known as Covington Central Riverfront. The agreement involves the City, the Kentucky Heritage Council (State Historic Preservation Office), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
According to city officials, this agreement is necessary for Covington to meet its obligations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act during redevelopment activities at the 23-acre property. The project includes demolishing all buildings associated with the former IRS facility, clearing the site, and constructing municipal infrastructure.
City representatives have determined that these actions have resulted in adverse effects on historic properties. These include impacts on both the former IRS building and archaeological sites identified as 15Ke205, 15Ke207, and 15Ke208. As stated in federal regulations CFR 36 800.5(a)(1), such effects require mitigation measures.
“The proposed Programmatic Agreement outlines mitigation for the direct effects of the IRS building and archaeological sites to be carried out [by] the City during the term of the Programmatic Agreement, estimated to terminate in 2030,” according to information released by city officials.
A draft version of this agreement can be requested from Kaitlin Bryan, Preservation Officer for Covington. Interested parties may contact her by phone at (859) 292-2171 or email kaitlin.bryan@covingtonky.gov. Written comments about this project will be accepted until September 30th, 2025 at 4:30 p.m., which is at least fifteen days after publication of this notice. Comments should be sent to City Hall at 20 West Pike Street in Covington.
