20210455 Ver 1_7_17014.1056011 Muscogee Comment_20210226

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McHenry, David G
From:LeeAnne Wendt <[e-mail]>
Sent:Sunday, February 14, 2021 8:24 PM
To:McHenry, David G
Subject:[External] Re: NCDPT Culvert repair on US 64 Macon County
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Mr. McHenry,

Thank you for contacting the Muscogee (Creek) Nation concerning the Proposed Replacement of a Section of Drainage
Pipe that Carries an Unnamed Tributary to the Cullasaja River Under US 64 in Macon County, North Carolina (No.
17014.1056011). This project is located within our historic area of interest and is of importance to our Tribe. After
reviewing the material provided, and noting that this project disturbance of previously undisturbed ground is not
anticipated and no excavation will take place for the extension of an access road, it was determined that the project can
proceed as planned. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation believes that there should be no effects to any known historic
properties. However, due to the historic presence of our people in the project area, if any inadvertent discoveries of
cultural material (i.e. artifacts) and/or human remains and/or funerary objects are noted, we request to be contacted as
soon as the discovery is made and that appropriate federal agencies are also notified. Additionally, if there are any updates
or changes to the proposed project, we request that the information be sent to our office for further review. If you have
any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,
LeeAnne Wendt

LeeAnne Wendt, M.A., RPA
Historic and Cultural Preservation Department, Tribal Archaeologist
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
P.O. Box 580 | Okmulgee, OK 74447
T 918.732.7852
F 918.758.0649
[e-mail]
http://www.muscogeenation-nsn.gov/

"Due to increased COVID-19 cases within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, we are taking measures to
maximize the safety and wellbeing of our employees, Citizens, and community. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is
operating with a reduced staffing model and high-risk staff will be on administrative leave and/or teleworking. Any
review or consultation requests received during this time will be reviewed as soon as possible but the reduction in
staff will impact our review times. We appreciate your patience as we work to return to normal operations.”

From: McHenry, David G <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2021 9:33 AM
To: Stephen Yerka ([e-mail]) <[e-mail]>; LeeAnne Wendt <[e-mail]>;
Elizabeth Toombs <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Cc: Wilkerson, Matt T <[e-mail]>; Breedlove, Patrick J <[e-mail]>; Jones, Damon
<[e-mail]>; Hoops, George (FHWA) <[e-mail]>; Ashcraft, Scott -FS
2
<[e-mail]>
Subject: NCDPT Culvert repair on US 64 Macon County

Folks,

NCDOT is coordinating on an urgent FHWA funded repair project as described in the attachment. The project is on US
64 near Bridal Veil Falls in Macon County, NC. This highway is in a NCDOT held easement from the USFS. The work may
require additional temporary easement to complete. The NCDOT Human Environment Unit will review the project in
accordance with the renewed PA agreement with FHWA, Corps, and others. We’d appreciate your review of the project
and any specific comments you may have to assist us.

A copy of this letter is also being sent to the Catawba Indian Nation via USPS.

Thank you for your assistance with and attention to this matter.

Dave McHenry
NCDOT Division 14 DEO
828/586-2141 office
828/246-7078 cell

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