The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed constructing additional burial sites, support facilities, and infrastructure at Fort Snelling National Cemetery (FSNC) within an approximately 60‑acre area of primarily undeveloped land, along with updates to facilities throughout the developed portions of the cemetery in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Because the project area includes natural and developed landscapes with potential archaeological and historic resources, the VA initiated review under NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA. 106 Group was retained to support cultural resource compliance.
Scope
106 Group conducted background research at the Minnesota SHPO, Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA), and Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS); identified consulting parties; and assisted with Section 106 initiation and development of a curation Memorandum of Understanding between the VA and MNHS.
Outcome
The team completed on‑site archaeological and architectural history visual assessments and prepared a literature review and assessment report. Under an ARPA permit, 106 Group then conducted a Phase I archaeological field survey and produced a technical report. This work supported NEPA and Section 106 compliance, informed project planning and design, and met VA expectations.
