Opinion ID: 428381
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Use of Historic Sites

Text: 34 The Foundation argues that the Secretary erred in failing to find that certain historic sites, which will suffer adverse effects from construction of Alternative Seven, will be used pursuant to section 4(f). Because the Secretary did not recognize that these sites would be used, the Foundation claims that the Secretary violated section 4(f) by failing to avoid the use or to minimize harm to the sites. 35 Section 4(f) by its own terms protects historic sites of local, state or national significance. In order to invoke the protections of 4(f), an historic site must meet the criteria of eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. 23 C.F.R. Sec. 771.135(d). Historic sites or structures eligible for inclusion in the National Register are subject to 4(f) protection only when they will be or used in the construction of the freeway project. 49 U.S.C. Sec. 1653(f) (1976). 36 This Circuit has held that the term use is to be construed broadly, without limitation to the concept of a physical taking, and including areas adversely affected by the project. Adler v. Lewis, 675 F.2d at 1092, Stop H-3 Association v. Coleman, 533 F.2d 434, 445 (9th Cir.1976). Because the FEIS/4(f) Statement was used as a basis for the Secretary's decision that the historic sites would not be used, we examine the FEIS/4(f) Statement to determine if consideration was given according to section 4(f) mandates. Adler v. Lewis, 675 F.2d at 1093. 37 The Secretary evaluated six public parks and recreation areas and 59 sites of possible historic significance in compiling the original FEIS/4(f) Statement. Preliminary evaluations disclosed that only eleven sites were eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The eleven sites were then analyzed to determine whether the West Papago alternative would use land either by direct acquisition or through proximity impacts affecting the use of the land. The analysis indicated no such use. 13 38 The State Historic Preservation Office and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation concurred with the above analysis. The Foundation offered no evidence of insufficient consideration by the Secretary to the problems of use. 39 Our review of the administrative record discloses that all historic sites considered were thoroughly investigated during this lengthy process, and were treated extensively in the combined FEIS/4(f) Statement. We find that the Secretary examined the relevant factors and could reasonably have believed that no historic sites would be adversely affected by the West Papago route. 14 Therefore, the Secretary's decision is not arbitrary, capricious or otherwise unlawful.