RE: Additional ROW for Project STP-3387 ( ), Added travel lanes on SR 261 beginning at SR 66 and ending at Jenner Road (CR 150S) in Warrick County; Des. No. 9802480.

Abstract

In a letter dated August 12, 2003, the Indiana Department of Transportation informed the GBL-OCRM that additional right-of-way was needed for the above referenced project. INDOT requested that the GBL-OCRM conduct further survey if needed to fulfill the requirements set forth by Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act. Prior to the request for additional right-of-way, the project corridor had been subjected to a Phase la level survey by the GBL-OCRM in November of 2002. On September 10, 2003, GBL-OCRM archaeologists George Mankowski, Eldridge Doubleday, Robert Adkins, and Michael Darland conducted a reconnaissance of the area of proposed effect. Of the approximately 2.7 acres of newly requested right-of-way, 0.8 acres had been covered during the November 2002 survey, 1.8 acres were subjected to an overview due previous disturbance by development, and 0.12 acres were tested by shovel probe survey. No cultural materials, structures, or features were encountered within the new right-of-way. No further archaeological investigation is recommended. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the additional 2.7 acres of right-of-way adjacent to the proposed added travel lanes provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently delineated project area boundaries.