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Cultural-resources report flags possible cemetery for Washington24 project; SHPO review recommended
Summary
An Office of the State Archaeologist evaluation for the Washington24 project flagged a possible cemetery in the southeast project limits and recommended avoiding the area or conducting a Phase I archaeological survey; the report also advised submitting prior investigations to SHPO for review and noted a USFWS concurrence on endangered species.
The board heard that IDOT cultural‑resources staff requested a cultural‑resources evaluation for the Washington24 project and that the Office of the State Archaeologist prepared the report.
The evaluation highlights a possible cemetery within the southeastern project limits and recommends avoiding the area or conducting a Phase I archaeological survey. The report also notes that most of the project limits have been subject to prior archaeological investigations, but those reports have not been reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO); the county was advised to submit the earlier reports to SHPO for official review and comment before making a final determination. The evaluation also cited the bridge’s age and recommended consulting the Bureau of Location and Environment to determine whether a historic‑bridge assessment is appropriate. Separately, the project received concurrence from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" listed species.
The board recorded the cultural‑resources findings as part of the engineer’s project updates; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
