Commission requests cultural‑resource survey and clarity on AHRS sites for Elliott Highway work

The commission reviewed a Section 106 consultation from the Alaska DOT for rehabilitation of Elliott Highway between mileposts 12 and 18. Staff described a project that would repave and, in places, widen the highway, replace culverts, clear vegetation for sight distances, and replace Willow Creek Bridge (Bridge No. 837) with a new concrete girder bridge. Temporary bypass construction and geotechnical testing were also noted.

Staff said the project area is preliminary and recommended that a cultural‑resource survey be completed for the APE so the results can be incorporated into a future Findings of Effect letter. Staff identified AHRS entries including a disturbed obsidian‑flake scatter (AHRS L I V‑00029 in the staff description) that appears to be disturbed and possibly destroyed, and advised a survey to verify present conditions.

Commissioners asked for clarification about mapping symbols (a labeled “t h” presumed to indicate test holes) and pressed DOT to revisit AHRS entries (for example, Live And Good 29) because database entries that record sites as destroyed sometimes still contain intact loci upon field inspection. One commissioner also requested information on the location and eligibility status of the Snowshoe Beaver Trail (RST189) relative to the APE.

Staff agreed to forward the commissioners’ comments and asked DOT to provide further survey work and mapping clarification; results will be included in the project’s Findings of Effect.