Tom Dillard's opinion column of Jan. 22, "Beneath the surface," contains a few inaccuracies, one so essential to his argument that it must be addressed.
Mr. Dillard applauds our friends at the state highway department for pausing construction on the new Broadway Bridge in Little Rock in order to document archaeological data before proceeding with construction. This is, in fact, their legal responsibility under the Section 106 provision of the National Historic Preservation Act. They are required to do so because of the nexus of federal funding involved with their project and the potential effect on historic property.
Mr. Dillard then draws a contrast to how we dealt with construction at our new headquarters building by stating, "Reports have said that, after initially agreeing to investigate the streetcar site, the Department of Arkansas Heritage suddenly changed its mind and its staff archaeologist resigned. Yes, this is the state agency in charge of documenting and preserving our heritage."
In fact, the Department of Arkansas Heritage did fully document the streetcar site under our new parking lot once demolition of the existing warehouse uncovered remnants of the foundation of the circa-1890 trolley barn. This was done despite the fact that we did not have the same legal responsibility to do so under Section 106. We fully documented the site because it was the right thing to do.
We worked with our architect skilled in historic preservation, our staff archaeologists, and our contractor and subcontractor to adjust the demolition schedule and gather the needed data. I personally called the Arkansas Archeological Survey in Fayetteville to ask for additional archaeologists and equipment in order to accomplish the task in a timely and thorough way. All of these records are intact and available to Mr. Dillard and any member of the public should they care to see them.
Despite a pessimistic outlook from Mr. Dillard, I am proud to report that the state of your Department of Arkansas Heritage is strong. Thanks to the 1/8-cent Conservation Tax passed by the voters in 1996, and the Real Estate Transfer Tax levied by the General Assembly beginning in 1987, the department's agencies and museums have maintained healthy historic funding levels. We continue to enjoy federal funding and strong partnerships with nongovernmental organizations, as well as support from private contributors. In order to be good stewards of taxpayer money, we always look for efficiencies, all the while being mindful of our important and serious responsibility to protect the best of Arkansas.
Early in his administration, Gov. Asa Hutchinson encouraged Cabinet members to "do more with what you have." With existing resources, Heritage agencies and museums have launched several new initiatives including a very successful Arkansas Food Hall of Fame program.
The World War I Centennial Commemoration Committee is up and running. Baxter County transferred to the department the deed to the historic Wolf Territorial Courthouse, and it will soon be open to the public. A statewide historic marker program is being developed. The Mosaic Templars State Headquarters Building on Broadway in Little Rock is under contract. New land has been acquired at Bayou Dorcheat in Nevada County to protect biodiversity. A Civil War battlefield has been preserved. An inter-agency collaboration has produced a new exhibit in the visitors' reception area outside the governor's suite of offices in the State Capitol.
This is just a sampling of new initiatives that the professionals at the Department of Arkansas Heritage are working on every day. And this is on top of existing initiatives loved by the public and of lasting value for all Arkansans. In my tenure, I've had the opportunity to bring in new staff including two with Ph.D.s, a J.D., one with two master's, several with graduate and undergraduate degrees, many with years of professional experience and all with the passion to do their job well.
The state of your Department of Arkansas Heritage is strong. Through collaboration and a focus on our shared dedication, we will continue to ensure our state's treasures are protected and available for all.
------------v------------
Stacy Hurst is director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.
Editorial on 01/28/2017