The National Infantry Foundation (NIF) plans to construct a new National Infantry Museum on lands within the boundary of the Fort Benning Military Reservation in Columbus, Georgia. Construction of the proposed museum and its grounds could adversely effect an archaeological site, 9Me63, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended through 1992, requires federal agencies to review the effect their actions may have on archaeological sites and other historic properties that are listed in or eligible for the NRHP. Review procedures are set forth in the recent regulations issued by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (36 CFR 800), as amended August 5, 2004.
Site 9Me63 is an extensive Native American site situated on a terrace above a tributary of Upatoi Creek, approximately 1,500 meters (m) (c. 4,900ft) east of the confluence of Upatoi Creek with the Chattahoochee River. This site is located in· Land Lots 60 and 77, 7th District, Muscogee County. Benning Boulevard North and South run northeast to southwest on the eastern side of the site, while a portion of the Columbus Riverwalk lays approximately 40m west of the site. A power line runs roughly north to south through the western part of the site. Portions of Site 9Me63 could be damaged by land-altering activity in the vicinity of the site. Specifically, a reconstructed Jump Tower for airborne training with a foundation base of approximately 30m x 30m (1OOft x 1OOft) and at least 4m deep will be constructed southwest of Site 9Me63. In addition, a "Walk of Honor" will be constructed west of the Jump Tower. The Walk of Honor will be a graded and paved walk, which will stay at original grade as much as. The Walk of Honor will measure approximately 7.3m in width (24ft) and will require sub-grade preparation and limited tree removal. There will be "plots" to either side for placement of memorials, which will necessitate minor amounts of clearing and construction of shallow footings. Electric utility for lighting and power will follow the "Walk of Honor". Such land altering activity is not expected to disturb any cultural remains.
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