Dean Richard Snow - Comments

I am pleased to submit comments regarding the Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Environmental Responsibilities to the State of Alaska (FHWA-2008-0140-0002) on behalf of the Society for American Archaeology (SAA). SAA is an international organization that, since its founding in 1934, has been dedicated to the research about and interpretation and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With more than 7,400 members, SAA represents professional archaeologists in colleges and universities, museums, government agencies, and the private sector. SAA has members in all 50 states as well as many other nations around the world. The SAA reminds the FHWA that assignment of responsibilities to the State of Alaska must carry with it a requirement that those responsibilities be carried out by qualified personnel. The minimum requirement for archaeological professionals has been and is a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, typically either archaeology or anthropology with specialization in archaeology. Many cases have shown that the appointment of qualified personnel in the first instance saves money in the long run by avoiding costly errors and omissions. The SAA urges the FHWA to ensure that this minimum requirement be met by the State of Alaska if and when it assumes new responsibilities.