The Cultural Resources Program helps the agency comply with state and federal cultural resource laws that apply to:

• archaeological sites
• historic structures
• culturally important areas 
   

Transportation Projects and Archaeological/Historic Resources Management

Washington State has a rich and diverse prehistory/ history that have left evidence across the landscape. When WSDOT embarks on a project, Federal and State laws require that we consider impacts to archaeological, historical and cultural resources. To assess potential impacts, we:

• Coordinate with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to complete transportation projects with limited impacts to archaeological and historic resources. 
• Identify archaeological remains and historic structures eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places located within a project's area of disturbance.
• Consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer (DAHP), Native American Tribes, and the public concerning the appropriate treatment of archaeological and historic resources that cannot be otherwise avoided.

For more information on how WSDOT complies with laws, regulations, and polices, visit Cultural Resources Compliance.

Mitigation Efforts

WSDOT has developed some creative mitigation strategies including:

• interpretive signage
• pod casts
• archival photo documentation
• video documentaries
• information centers for the public

Cultural Resources Training (CRT)

Each spring we partner with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to offer a multi-day Cultural Resources Training (CRT) at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

CRT promotes awareness, preservation and stewardship of Washington’s cultural resources and is the only comprehensive training of this kind in the state. Enrollment is open to anyone with a need or desire to learn about cultural resources, cultural resource management laws and regulations, and the importance of preservation.

	Training participants will explore historic and archaeological sites in the Kittitas Valley and Columbia River Gorge.
Historic Homestead Cabin at Olmstead State Park in Kittitas.

Using classroom and field exercises, participants work with some of the region's most qualified instructors to learn the skills necessary to address cultural resource management issues. This award-winning training is held only once a year and space is limited.

2013 Cultural Resources Training

When: April 30- May 2, 2013, 2.5 day session
Where: Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington
Registration Fee: $325

Registration: WSDOT staff interested in attending may contact Erin Littauer, Cultural Resource Specialist at 360.570.2448 or littaue@wsdot.wa.gov to register. 

For general registration (non-WSDOT) please contact Russell Holter, Preservation Design Reviewer with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation at russell.holter@dahp.wa.gov or 360.586.3533. 

Submit your name at the earliest convenience, CRT is a popular training and space is limited. If you have attended  CRT in the past and it has been over 3 to 5 years, you are encouraged to enroll again this year as cultural resource laws and regulations have changed. However, preference for enrollment will be given to new attendees.

• 2013 CRT Brochure (pdf 113 kb)
• CRT Course Abstracts (pdf 104 kb)

Significant Projects

Lacey V. Murrow ("The Skipper") held the position of Director of the Washington State Department of Highways (1933- 1940) and Chief Engineer of the Washington Toll Bridge Authority (1937-1940). Appointed at age 28, Murrow is the youngest person to ever hold the Director's position. Notable projects include: Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge (Galloping Gertie) Deception Pass Bridge Lake Washington Floating Bridge, the first concrete pontoon floating bridge in the world built on Lake Washington (later dedicated as the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge). This documentary outlines the life and career achievements of one of our state's most influential figures in transportation history.

• "They Called Him 'The Skipper'; The Life and Times of Washington's Lacey V. Murrow" Video Documentary (275 MB)
• McMillin Bridge- SR 162 Puyallup River Bridge Project
• Meridian Street Bridge- SR 167 Puyallup River Bridge Project
• Manette Bridge - Historic Documentary (Video)
• Gee Creek Archaeological Site- I-5/ SR 502 Project
• SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Project- Bridge History
• Hood Canal Bridge - Port Angeles Graving Dock
• I-5 Nuclear Fallout Shelter- "Waiting for the the End of the World: Prototype Fallout Shelter Under Interstate 5 in North Seattle" by Craig Holstine, WSDOT Historian, appearing in the Journal of Northwest Anthropology  

Historic Bridges and Ethnobotany

	McMillin Bridge, 1934 A National Register Listed Historic Bridge of significant and rare architectural style.

Visit the WSDOT Historic Bridges site to view highlights of Washington's most significant Transportation structures.

The Ethnobotany and Cultural Resources List identifies plants found along the highway Right-of-Way in Western Washington of traditional cultural significance and use. 
 

Contacts

Cultural Resources 
Contact the Cultural Resources Program Manager or refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Specific project or region activity
Contact that region's or program's Cultural Resources Specialist (CRS) (pdf 51 kb).

Native American Tribes
Contact the WSDOT Tribal Liaison Office site.