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Texas Historical Commission
Abstract
On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 0.31 acre of existing right-of-way (ROW) along County Road (CR) 541 in Montague County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Jon Budd served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8226.
The total area of potential effects (APE) comprises the existing 50-foot-wide ROW at the Herring Branch of Big Sandy Creek crossing. The project extends from approximately 130 feet south of the center of the Herring Branch of Big Sandy Creek to 270 feet to the north. Based on the bridge design, the depth of impacts is estimated to be up to 30 feet for the bridge supports and up to 3 feet for the rest of the project.
Background research did not identify any recorded cultural resources surveys that cross the APE, nor any within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius. Additionally, no archeological sites, recorded landmarks, cemeteries, National Register of Historic Places districts or properties, or historical markers are within or adjacent to the project area. A historic map review of the area does not indicate any potential historic resources within or adjacent to the APE.
SWCA conducted field investigations in compliance with the Texas Historical Commission Archeological Survey Standards, and this document was produced consistent with the Council of Texas Archeologists guidelines for reporting. The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with limited shovel testing and backhoe trenching. Through testing, SWCA determined that the APE is heavily disturbed by existing roadway construction and utilities. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE. The field investigation discovered no cultural resources; therefore, SWCA recommends that a finding of “no historic properties affected” be made for the current undertaking.
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