Archeological Sites and Cemeteries Toolkit
The Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT), the Health and Safety Code and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) establish the environmental compliance obligations regarding archeological sites and cemeteries. Local governments, consultants and TxDOT staff use the following tools to comply with these requirements.
For more information, contact the supervisor of the Archeological Studies Branch, Environmental Affairs Division at 512-416-2631.
View frequently asked questions at Online forms FAQs.
| Title | Date | Description |
| Guidance: Design Change Review for Archeology | 03/24 | This document provides District staff with guidance for review of design changes for potential impacts to archeological sites and cemeteries. The guidance includes circumstances under which no additional review is necessary and expected time to complete review and coordination. |
| Emergency Discovery Guidelines | 05/23 | The Emergency Discovery Guidelines document provides tips to District staff and contractors to handle unanticipated finds of burials or archeological sites during construction and maintenance projects. |
| Environmental Handbook for Archeological Sites and Cemeteries | 11/14 | Outlines the steps to comply with the NHPA, ACT and Health and Safety Code for archeological sites and cemeteries |
| Potential Archeological Liability Maps (PALMs) | Lists TxDOT-developed ArcGIS maps functioning as geoarcheological predictive models to aid in transportation planning and cultural resource compliance | |
| TxDOT Tribal Histories Project | 07/22 | Used to assist in the production of TxDOT Transportation projects |
| Title | Date | Description |
| Cultural Resources Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | 10/23 | FAQ to share with members of the public interested in cultural resources management work |
| Preguntas frecuentes sobre recursos culturales (FAQ) | 04/24 | Preguntas frecuentes para compartir con los miembros del público interesados en el trabajo de gestión de recursos culturales |
| Review Standard for Archeological Background Studies | 05/11 | Used to evaluate and communicate comments on a background study report that identifies whether archeological fieldwork is necessary for the project |
| Review Standard for Antiquities Permit Applications | 04/20 | Used to evaluate and communicate comments on an Antiquities Permit application for submission to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) |
| Review Standard for Archeological Survey Reports | 05/11 | Used to evaluate and communicate comments on an archeological survey report |
| Review Standard for Interim Testing Reports | 05/11 | Used to evaluate and communicate comments on an interim report of archeological test excavations to address site eligibility and project effects |
| List of Projects That Do Not Require Review or Coordination for Archeological Compliance | 03/24 | Identifies the project types that do not require review or coordination for compliance with laws and regulations regarding archeological sites. The guidance comes from existing TxDOT agreements with regulatory agencies. |
| Title | Date | Description |
| Template for Archeological Background Studies | 09/20 | Used to complete the "Perform Archeological Background Study" Activity in ECOS |
| Template for Archeological Survey Report | 04/20 | Used to complete the "Perform Archeology Study" Activity in ECOS |
| Title | Date | Description |
| TxDOT-THC Memorandum of Understanding | 02/13 | Defines the process for coordinating projects between TxDOT and THC in compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas, but it is not applicable to projects where governments coordinate directly with THC |
| Tonkawa Tribe Programmatic Agreement | 06/02 | Establishes the tribe-specific Section 106 process for projects with FHWA funding or required FHWA approval |
| TxDOT – FHWA Section 106 Programmatic Agreement | 09/23 | Defines TxDOT’s Section 106 process for projects with FHWA involvement. The document includes definitions of Area of Potential Effect, unscreened vs screened undertakings, TxDOT’s consultation process, and a historic bridge management plan |