§ 136-42.1. Archaeological objects on highway right-of-way. - North Carolina Statutes

§136‑42.1.  Archaeological objects on highway right‑of‑way.

The Department ofTransportation is authorized to expend highway funds for reconnaissancesurveys, preliminary site examinations and salvage work necessary to retrieveand record data and the preservation of archaeological and paleontologicalobjects of value which are located within the right‑of‑way acquiredfor highway construction. The Department of Cultural Resources shall beconsulted when objects of scientific or historical significance might beanticipated or encountered in highway right‑of‑way and adetermination made by that Department as to the national, State, or localimportance of preserving any or all fossil relics, artifacts, monuments orbuildings. The Department of Cultural Resources shall request advice from otheragencies or institutions having special knowledge or skills that may not beavailable in the said Department for the determination of the presence of orfor the evaluation and salvage of prehistoric archaeological or paleontologicalremains within the highway right‑of‑ way. The Department ofTransportation is authorized to contract with the Department of CulturalResources and to provide funds necessary to perform reconnaissance surveys,preliminary site examination and salvage operation at those sites determined bythe Department of Cultural Resources to be of sufficient importance to bepreserved for the inspiration and benefit of the people of North Carolina. TheDepartment of Cultural Resources is authorized to enter into contracts and tomake arrangements to perform the necessary work pursuant to this section. TheDepartment of Cultural Resources shall assume possession and responsibility forany and all historical objects and is authorized to enter into agreements withgovernmental units and agencies thereof, institutions, and charitableorganizations for the preservation of any or all fossil relics, artifacts,monuments, or buildings. (1971, c. 345, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 48; c. 507, s.5; 1977, c. 464, s. 7.1.)