Cultural Resources

The concept of Cultural Resources — the natural and physical environment that Ohioans interact with — is part of every decision ODOT makes regarding transportation projects. A park, a school, a memorial, a cemetary, a bridge, almost anything and everything that impacts an Ohio citizen is taken into consideration before construction begins on a transportation project. 

As explaIned on the National Preservation Institute's website:

NEPA itself, and the CEQ regulations, require that agencies consider the effects of their actions on all aspects of the "human environment." Humans relate to their environment through their culture, so the cultural aspects of the environment — for example, cultural uses of the natural environment, the built environment, and human social institutions — obviously must be considered in NEPA analyses.

ODOT's Cultural Resources staff offer assistance and training in the Section 106 process that supports compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the federal law that requires government agencies to take into account the effects of their actions on historic properties. 

Staff conduct field surveys, write reports, review and oversee the work of pre-qualified consultants while coordinating with environmental staff in 12 ODOT districts. The entire stafff reflects a broad range of education and experience working with team across various areas of expertise.