3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
Section 106 of NHPA and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (as
amended). 34 The eligible districts and properties are (see Figure 3.32):
• Government Hill Railroad Housing Historic District (ANC-2108)
• Government Hill Quonset Hut Historic District (ANC-2111)
• Government Hill Urban Renewal Historic District (ANC-2128)
• Panoramic View Historic District (ANC-2126)
• Quonset Hut (ANC-1843), 100½ West Cook Avenue
• Wireless Station (ANC-0306), 124, 132, and 140 East Manor Avenue
• Loxtave House (ANC-1860), 308½ East Manor
• Weaver House, Atomic Ranch (ANC-1869), 301 East Harvard Avenue
• Alaska Railroad Employees Club/Square & Round Dance Club (ANC-1932),
32 East Harvard Avenue
• Alaska Railroad Water Tower (ANC-1933), 232 East Harvard Avenue
The basis for these eligibility determinations are documented in SRB&A 2006; Knik Arm
Crossing, Section 106 Report, Volumes I and II, 2006 and in consultation letters between
FHWA and SHPO, which are contained in Appendix D.
AHRS site ANC-01337, a Dena’ina fish camp called Tak’at, is located north of Ship Creek
near an eddy where fish congregate before migrating up local streams to spawn. This springsummer
habitation site, the location of the traditional First Salmon Ceremony and of one of
the last potlatch ceremonies in this area, was determined eligible by FHWA under
criterion (a) as a TCP site. This place is where the peoples of the Knik and Eklutna Tribes
traditionally gathered and preserved fish as a staple food source and participated in
ceremonies important in maintaining their historic cultural identities (SRB&A 2006, Vol. I).
The SHPO did not concur in the eligibility determination on Tak’at due to the presence of
military debris and toxic wastes, as well as the port and military security preventing the site
being used for traditional purposes. FHWA discussed the SHPO’s finding with the tribes, and
advised them of their right to request an official determination by the Keeper of the National
Register. 35 However, the tribes agreed that preservation in place was not possible, and that its
importance to them was in having their story told. Therefore, while not considered eligible
under Section 106, for the purposes of compliance, Tak’at is given special consideration here
in light of its significant history to the tribes.
34 Personal communication, Judith Bittner, letter to Edrie Vinson, July 17, 2006 (see Appendix D).
35 Personal communication, Judith Bittner, State Historic Preservation Officer, letter to Edrie Vinson, March 28,
2006 (see Appendix D).
3-136 12/18/07