Linking Planning and NEPA: Consideration of Cultural Resources

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Linking Planning and NEPA Consideration of
Cultural Resources

• Deborah Suciu Smith
• Pennsylvania Division

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• The FHWA and its DOT partners has integrated the
  Section 106 process under the NEPA umbrella
• The next step integrate the consideration of
  cultural resource data into the planning process.

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Education!!!

• MPOs/Planners
• Section 106 principles
• Section 106 process
• lingo

• Cultural Resource professionals
• Planning principles
• Planning process
• lingo

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Consultation Techniquesfor Planners/MPOs

• Identify groups or individuals with an interest
  in history or historic preservation
• Use meetings or other forums to solicit
  information from the public or public officials
• Use electronic resources for data collection
• share known public information on websites and
  through other forums

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Sources of information

• SHPO
• THPO
• FR Tribes
• ACHP
• NRHP
• Local DOT staff

• Elected officials
• Citizens/property owners
• Historic Societies
• Local museums
• Local collector(s)
• Colleges/Universities
• OTHER!!!

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Cultural Resource Geographic Information System

• Links to CRGIS
• www.phmc.state.pa.us
• www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce/SelectWelcome.asp
• www.penndotcrm.org

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To Do List

• Investigate the findings of previous federal (or
  other source) undertakings in the region
• Become familiar with or develop a general history
  of an area
• Consider developing generic archaeological
  sensitivity mapping
• Be conscious of place names (i.e. Arrowhead Lane,
  Smokehouse Road)

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Then what?

• Consider the cultural resource data when
  developing the TIP
• Rehabilitation --- Replacement costs
• Consideration of the cost of archaeological
  excavation/mitigation in high probability areas
• Time to resolve public controversy regarding
  impacts to cultural resources
• Time to evaluate the use of Section 4(f)
  properties

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Contact Information

• Deborah Suciu Smith
• Environmental Specialist
• FHWA PA
• 717-221-3875
• deborah.suciu.smith_at_fhwa.dot.gov