The Iowa Cultural Resources Agreement (ICRA) is a regulatory compliance process that aims to protect and preserve cultural resources during power line construction projects in the state of Iowa. ICRA is implemented by the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office (SHOO) and the entity responsible for the power line construction project. Under the ICRA, power line construction companies are required to conduct archaeological surveys and assessments to identify any potential cultural resources that may be affected by the project. Cultural resources include archaeological sites, historic structures, burial grounds, and other significant cultural features. Once potential cultural resources are identified, the power line construction company and SHOO work collaboratively to determine the appropriate course of action. This may involve conducting archaeological excavations or implementing mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts to cultural resources. The ICRA also ensures that Native American tribes and tribal organizations are involved in the process. These tribes have a unique and important perspective on cultural resources and their participation helps to identify and protect significant cultural sites associated with their heritage and history. Different types of Iowa Cultural Resources Agreements (IRAs) may include: 1. Standard ICRA: This is the most common type of agreement used for power line construction projects that have the potential to impact cultural resources. It involves the survey, assessment, and mitigation of cultural resources identified during the construction process. 2. Emergency ICRA: Sometimes, power line construction projects need to be carried out urgently due to maintenance or repairs. In such cases, an emergency ICRA may be implemented to expedite the process while still ensuring the protection of cultural resources. 3. Tribal ICRA: This type of agreement specifically focuses on collaboration with Native American tribes and tribal organizations, ensuring that their cultural resources and heritage are properly identified, protected, and respected during power line construction activities. Overall, the Iowa Cultural Resources Agreement (ICRA) plays a crucial role in balancing the need for reliable power infrastructure development with the preservation of Iowa's rich cultural heritage. Through collaborative efforts, the ICRA helps ensure that power line construction projects are conducted in a responsible and culturally sensitive manner.
The Iowa Cultural Resources Agreement (ICRA) is a regulatory compliance process that aims to protect and preserve cultural resources during power line construction projects in the state of Iowa. ICRA is implemented by the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office (SHOO) and the entity responsible for the power line construction project. Under the ICRA, power line construction companies are required to conduct archaeological surveys and assessments to identify any potential cultural resources that may be affected by the project. Cultural resources include archaeological sites, historic structures, burial grounds, and other significant cultural features. Once potential cultural resources are identified, the power line construction company and SHOO work collaboratively to determine the appropriate course of action. This may involve conducting archaeological excavations or implementing mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts to cultural resources. The ICRA also ensures that Native American tribes and tribal organizations are involved in the process. These tribes have a unique and important perspective on cultural resources and their participation helps to identify and protect significant cultural sites associated with their heritage and history. Different types of Iowa Cultural Resources Agreements (IRAs) may include: 1. Standard ICRA: This is the most common type of agreement used for power line construction projects that have the potential to impact cultural resources. It involves the survey, assessment, and mitigation of cultural resources identified during the construction process. 2. Emergency ICRA: Sometimes, power line construction projects need to be carried out urgently due to maintenance or repairs. In such cases, an emergency ICRA may be implemented to expedite the process while still ensuring the protection of cultural resources. 3. Tribal ICRA: This type of agreement specifically focuses on collaboration with Native American tribes and tribal organizations, ensuring that their cultural resources and heritage are properly identified, protected, and respected during power line construction activities. Overall, the Iowa Cultural Resources Agreement (ICRA) plays a crucial role in balancing the need for reliable power infrastructure development with the preservation of Iowa's rich cultural heritage. Through collaborative efforts, the ICRA helps ensure that power line construction projects are conducted in a responsible and culturally sensitive manner.
