Cultural resources

The mission of the Wisconsin Department Transportation's (WisDOT) cultural resources team is to balance the state’s transportation needs with cultural resources stewardship. This area reviews Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state assisted WisDOT transportation projects for potential impacts to cultural resources pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, Wisconsin state statute 44.40 Historic Preservation and Wisconsin state statute 157.70 burial sites preservation. While the FHWA has delegated Section 106 responsibilities to WisDOT, the federal agency remains ultimately responsible for the process. In addition cultural resources reviews are conducted on rails, harbors, transit, aeronautics, and other federal/state assisted programs.

This staff works with federal, state and local agencies, tribal governments, the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and other stakeholders to ensure that impacts to Wisconsin’s historic and cultural resources are considered early in the transportation planning process. Early consideration of historic and cultural resources helps preserve the state’s rich historic heritage while eliminating and reducing project delays.

If you or your firm are new to completing section 106 for WisDOT projects, please reach out to DOTCulturalresources@dot.wi.gov to discuss process and procedures.

Historic Highway Bridges in Wisconsin 5-9-2024

Volume 2 Part 1: Truss Bridges
Volume 2 Part 2: Appendix A1
Volume 2 Part 2: Appendix A2

Standardized Truss Plans (box folder link)

Worksheets/forms

Refer to the Forms and tools page for factor sheets and guidance

Screening List

Section 106 Screening List (updated regularly)
Box screening submittal process
DT1030 Cultural Resources Screening Submittal
Cultural Resources Screening Process Workflow

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) Notification Process

Guidance document for THPO notification
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) distribution/address list and areas of tribal interest for project notification 8-27-2024
THPO Notification List for hard copy 8-27-2024
Tribal Leaders address/distribution list - for cc's 12-3-2024

Federal Agency Coordination templates

State Agency Coordination templates

Highways, Aeronautics and Rails State funding email template (MS outlook)
Surplus Lands Email Template (MS Outlook)
Word document with State funding notification language

Additional Notifications

Architecture/History guidance and forms

Guidance

Forms

Archaeological/Burial guidance and forms

Guidance

Forms

Cultural resources