archeology
A memorandum of agreement
that describes the procedures and responsibilities for archeological
and cultural property investigation was incorporated into the Federal
404 Permit. Following issuance of the permit in November 2005, the
City began the process of hiring archeological experts to implement
the terms and conditions of the permit. The City hired a team of 5 firms headed by Geo-Marine Inc. to
represent the City throughout project implementation. Additionally,
the City is also funding a full-time archeologist working for the
Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and funding the
Institute for Environmental Negotiation to facilitate hiring of experts
to assist 3 local Native American tribes.
The Geo-Marine team is preparing research and treatment plans that describe how
the research will be conducted, and how the data will be compiled and evaluated
to describe thousands of years of history in the Cohoke Creek basin. These plans
are being prepared in consultation with the tribes, their experts, as well as
the State and Federal stakeholders. In the fall of 2007 investigation of the
wetland and stream mitigation sites began in accordance with these plans.
These investigations will serve to guide and augment the selection and design
of the mitigation sites.
A continuation of the investigations that were conducted in the mid-1990’s
at the reservoir and pump station sites will begin after King William
County has acquired portions of approximately 100 parcels. The land
program should be concluded by the summer of 2008. These investigations
and reporting will take more than 2 years to complete. No tribal property is being purchased as part of the reservoir
project. This next phase of investigations will be conducted in
consultation with the tribes and all stakeholders.
More than $9 million is currently budgeted to fund the teams of experts
that will be working to identify, study, describe and preserve the
historic and cultural resources within the project area. All archeological
work, including reporting, will be completed prior to final design and
construction of the water supply facilities.
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