Rail Line Extension

Burns & McDonnell is serving as third-party contractor for preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for construction of a rail line extension. The project involves approximately 250 miles of new rail construction as well as reconstruction of more than 600 miles of an existing system.

The primary objectives of the investigation are to identify cultural resources within the project area and provide a preliminary assessment of their eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These objectives are achieved through a records check, literature review, geomorphological survey, consultation with state and federal agencies of Native American representatives and tribe monitors, and a Class III archaeological field investigation.

The records check and literature review provides data on previously recorded sites in the area and pertinent information on the environment and local cultural sequences. The Class III investigation was designed to identify previously unrecorded cultural resources in the project area. All work was conducted to professional standards and guidelines.

An architectural survey of the existing system was subcontracted and supervised by Burns & McDonnell. The architectural survey recorded over 500 sites of which about 200 are considered eligible for the NRHP.