NEPA_PR-1.pdf

March 26, 2020

Mr. Jamie Christian Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration 350 Torre Chardón, Suite 210 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM

SIGNING AND GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PR-1

FROM KILOMETER 0.00 TO KILOMETER 128.10

BETWEEN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN JUAN TO PONCE, PUERTO RICO

AC-803578

Dear Mr. Christian:

The Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), through its Highway and Transportation Authority (HTA), propose to perform signing and guardrails improvements on various roadways due to the damage occurred by the pass of the Hurricanes Irma and Maria. As consequence of the damages occurred in the Island, the President Donald Trump, the Governor Hon. Ricardo Rosselló Nevarez and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, Hon. Carlos M. Contreras, declared a state of emergency. See referenced documents enclosed in Appendix A.

Some of the affected roads is PR-1, from kilometer 0.0 to kilometer 128.10, between the Municipalities of San Juan and Ponce. See Appendix B: Figure 1: Location Maps and Figure 2: Aerial Photos. Description of the facility is presented below:

PR-1 is a highway in Puerto Rico that connects the city of Ponce to San Juan. Leaving Ponce, the road heads east and follows a somewhat parallel route along the southern coast of the island heading towards Salinas. At Salinas, the road turns north to cut through the Cordillera Central in its approach to San Juan. Before reaching San Juan, it climbs to make its way to the mountain town of Cayey and then it winds down into the city of Caguas on its final approach to San Juan.

PR-1 is an undivided two-lane road, with some exceptions. In Ponce, it is a six-lane divided highway in its intersection with PR-578 and PR-2 in Sabanetas. There is a short segment in Cayey where PR-1 is also a divided highway. It becomes a divided road once again from Caguas to San Juan at a sector known as "La Muda". PR-1 is roughly parallel to PR-52 throughout its entire length. Prior to PR-52's inauguration, PR-1 was the route of choice from traveling between Ponce and San Juan. See copy of the typical sections on Figure 3 included in Appendix B.

Mr. Jamie Christian Categorical Exclusion Signing and Guardrail Improvements PR-1 From Kilometer 0.00 to Kilometer 128.10 Municipalities of San Juan to Ponce, Puerto Rico, AC-803578

During the PR-1 assessment after the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria, several damages to PR-1 related to the guardrail and traffic signs systems were identified that need to be addressed to ensure the safety in this road. The damages identified in the corridor included guardrail damages by the fallen of trees and poles; signs that fell off from the poles; signs that failed from the base/foundation; and signs that were turned by the winds. Copy of the Damaged Detailed Inspection Report (DDIR) is included on Appendix C.

The project consists of the reconstruction of signing and safety devices (associated with Hurricanes Irma and María) along highway PR-1, from kilometer 0.0 to kilometer 128.1, between the Municipalities of San Juan and Ponce. The works includes traffic signs assemblies (small signs, grounded mounted, overhead mounted), new guardrails, end-terminals, bridge transition upgrades, new transition modules, traffic signs & guardrails demolition and removal, MOT activities, and other miscellaneous works. Copy of the Project Plans for the road is included in Appendix B.

This Project will be financed with funds from the Emergency Relief Program associated to Hurricanes Irma and María. The preconstruction effort for these activities resulted in a significant delay for construction funds obligation and the two-year period concluded. Nevertheless, to start the permanent repair construction in our federal aid roadway system, a time extension for one year was requested by PRHTA. FHWA granted the one-year extension on September 26, 2019. Copy of the letter is enclosed on Appendix A.

The proposed actions are not expected to have adverse effect on historical properties due the area where the projects are located were previously altered for the construction of the road nor the activities performed are far of the property or have an enough buffer zone to protect them. Nevertheless, part of the proposed project is located within a historic district and adjacent to historic properties eligible, potentially eligible or registered in the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, the undertaking does not conform to the requirements of the Programmatic Agreement among FHWA, PRHTA, SHPO and ACHP. A cultural resources assessment was performed by the archeologist Raquel Camacho to determine the potential effects on historic properties. According to the report, a determination of no adverse effect is appropriate for the undertaking. Copy of the Cultural Resource Assessment Report is included in Appendix D. As a precautionary measure, the project plans have been annotated to identify the historic properties and its protection measures. If a new historic property were identified or unexpected cultural resources are encountered at any time within the project area, work should cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries and SHPO would be notified. Modification to the proposed activities would be conducted to avoid adverse effect to the resource. A consultation letter was submitted to SHPO for their comments and concurrence on February 7, 2020. On letter dated March 13, 2020, SHPO requested more information related to photographic documentation of the historic properties to conclude the process. See copy of SHPO letter on Appendix D. PRHTA is working with the information requested, nevertheless, due to the COVID-19 situation in the island, no field activities were allowed to take the photography. Therefore, in order to move the project forward and base on the fact presented before, PRHTA will not performed construction activities in theses areas until obtained concurrence with our determination of no adverse effect with SHPO.

No threatened or endangered species and their habitats are expected to be affect by the proposed project. However, notification to US Fish and Wildlife Service was conducted on December 9, 2019 to inform about the proposed activities. Copy of the USFWS concurrence letter of December 12, 2019 is included in Appendix E. If an

Mr. Jamie Christian Categorical Exclusion Signing and Guardrail Improvements PR-1 From Kilometer 0.00 to Kilometer 128.10 Municipalities of San Juan to Ponce, Puerto Rico, AC-803578 endangered or threatened species is identified or its critical habitat, conservation measures will be implemented for the protection of the species.

The existing roadway section and geometry of the PR-1 would not be modified. No acquisition of structures and relocation of families or businesses are required for the project. The estimated cost for the emergency repairs for PR- 1 is $2,870,230.

Erosion and Sediment Control measures and BMP’s would be implemented during construction activities to prevent the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. In addition, we will request the contractor to comply with all applicable regulations.

Based on section 771.117 (c)(9) of the Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR) of October 24, 2019, these emergency works are classified as a Class II Action (Categorical Exclusion). Therefore, neither an Environmental Impact Statement nor an Environmental Evaluation is required. PRHTA is requesting FHWA concurrence to the environmental document, since the information requested by SHPO does not change the determination of no adverse effect to historic properties.

Copy of the Categorical Exclusion Checklist for the project is included in Appendix F.

Cordially yours, Luis E. Rodríguez Rosa Deputy Executive Director

Enclosures

Concurred by:

Federal Highway Administration Date

This CE is conditionally approved to the following:

Construction can't begin until SHPO clearance is granted.

Appendix A – Emergency Declared Documents

Appendix B – Figures and Plans

STATE ROAD PR-1

FROM KM 0.0 (INT. TANCA STREET) SAN JUAN TO KM 128.10 (INT. BOLIVAR STREET)

SAN JUAN - PONCE, PUERTO RICO

LOCATION MAP

NOT TO SCALE

FIGURE NO. 1

AERIAL PHOTO

NOT TO SCALE

FIGURE NO. 2

STATE ROAD PR-1

FROM KM 0.0 (INT. TANCA STREET) SAN JUAN TO KM 128.10 (INT. BOLIVAR STREET)

SAN JUAN - PONCE, PUERTO RICO

Appendix C – Damage Detail Inspection Report

U.S. Department DETAILED DAMAGE INSPECTION REPORT Report Number of Transportation TS-08 Federal Highway Administration (Title 23 Federal-aid Hiahwavs) Sheet 1 of 1

Location {Name of Road and Milepost} FHWA Disaster Number Unit 1 - Highways that are part of t he Federal Highway Administration system in the follow ing municipa lit ies: PR2017-0l Aguada, Las Marias, and Rinc6n; Approx. kilometers: 88.12 Inspection Date j '2 J<a / "'2..-0 11 Unit 2 - PR-1, Approx. kilometers: 127.66 Description of Damage Federal-aid Route Nutf,ber J Hurricane Maria impacted Puerto Rico affecting our highway system in different areas. The traffic contro l devices (signs) and Various & PR-1 guardrails are important elements of the transportation system . All kinds of t raffic signs were severely impacted by the State Country

Hurricane, including the following scena rios: signs that fell off from t he poles, signs t hat failed from the base/foundat ion, and Puerto Rico USA signs that were turned by the winds. Also, some guardrail runs were affected by the Hurricane, especially by fallen trees.

Cost Estimate .... Description of Work to Dote Cost ·;;; Unit Uni t Price Quanti ty c. (Equipment, Labor, and Materials} Completed Remaining Qj er:

> '-' c: Method Subtotal $ -Qj

DLocal Forces D State Forces D Contract PE/CE $ -Qj

E Emergency Repair Total $ w -

Mobilization (10%) LS $ 129,468.00 1.00 $ 129,468.00

MOT(S%) LS $ 64,734.00 1.00 $ 64,734.00

Traffic Signs Removal and Installation (Preliminary) LS $ 971,010.00 1.00 $ 971,010.00

Guardrail Removal and Installation (Preliminary) LS $ 129,468.00 1.00 $ 129,468.00

The quantities included in the DDIR are preliminaries. A detailed DDIR will be prepared by

PRHTA with the information provided by the consultants.

PRHTA is working a RFP process to select a consultant for the design of these municipalities.

c: .g "' l5 ...

Ill Qj er: ... c:

Qj c:

"' E Qj c..

Method Subtotal $ 1,294,680.00 OLocal Forces D State Forces CK] Contract PE/CE $ 323,670.00

Right-of-Way $ -

Perm. Repair Totals $ 1,618,350.00 Environmental Assessment Recommendation

0 Categorical Exclusion DEA/EIS Estimated Total $ 1,618,350.00

Recommendation FHWA Engineer Hil/V Date !XJ Eligible Oineligible 31 "I .:J-d/J} Concurrence [7',;<:H Date

ONo 7 ,, Concurrence l kOcal Agency Representative Date

OYes ONo Form FHWA-1547 (Rev. 4 -98} This form was electronically produced by Elite Federal Forms. Inc.

MUNICIPALITIES AND ROAD LIST

Unit 1:

Municipality Km per Municipality Region Aguada 19.05 West

Las Marfas 37 .36 Rincon 27.60

Unit 2:

Federal Road Km FEMA In Km FEMA Final Abreviado Abreviado Aid

Number Km In Km Final Km Total de Km

PR-1 127.88 127.88 128.10 127.66

Roads per Municipality:

ROAD CITY In Final FEMA In Km FEMA Final Km Abreviado Abreviado Federal Aid Km Km In Km Final Km Total Km

416 Aguada 0.00 8.90 1.45 7.80 2.55 417 Aguada 0.00 11 .10 11 .10 419 Aguada 0.00 3.59 1.85 3.59 1.85 441 Aguada 0.00 2.90 1.25 2.90 1.25

4416 Aguada 0.00 2.30 2.30 124 Las Marias 0.00 26.46 26.46 409 Las Marias 0.00 8.20 4.90 8.20 4.90

4406 Las Marias 0.00 6.00 6.00 411 Rincon 0.00 18.10 13.10 18.10 13.10 412 Rincon 0.00 8.30 8.30 413 Rincon 0.00 6.20 6.20

The evaluation shall not include FEMA segments, abbreviated projects, and construction projects in the roads shown in the table or sections covered by other DDIR's for landslides.

Unit 3: Municipal Roads

ROUTE COUNTY FROM TO SECTION MUNICIPALITY

NUMBER CODE KM DESCRIPTION KM DESCRIPTION KMS

(PR

CALLE MARINA 003 0.00 115/CALLE 0.75 (PR 441) 0.75 AGUADA

MARINA)

AVENIDA NATIVO ALERS DESViO SUR 003 0.00 (PR 115) 1.10 (PR411) 1.10 AGUADA

ROUTE COUNTY FROM TO SECTION MUNICIPALITY

NUMBER CODE KM DESCRIPTION KM DESCRIPTION KMS

AVENIDA NATIVO ALERS DESViO SUR 003 1.10 (PR 411) 2.45 (PR 416) 1.35 AGUADA

CALLE SAN JOSE 003 0.00 (PR411) 0.86 (PR 416) 0.86 AGUADA

CALLE H. DiAZ 003 0.00 (CALLE SAN 0.05 (PR 416 / C. 0.05 AGUADA JOSE) LA PAZ)

TOTAL 4.11

RFP Process Schedule AC-801541 Hurricane Maria Efforts for Signing and Guardrails

ER-9999-283

ACTIVITY

1 RFP published or distributed

2 Proposals Due Date

Presentations /Discussions with

Consultants (If Required)

PRHT A evaluate and rank the proposals, then select the consultant

5 PRHTA notify the selected consultant

Negotiation Period (PRHTA and consultant) PRHTA submit the Contract Package &

7 letter requesting FHWA approval & obligation of funds

FHWA review the Contract Package & obligate funds*

9 Contract Signed

10 Notice to Proceed

Duration (Calendar Days)

*FHW A actions and or evaluations will take as a minimum 21 working days.

PROPOSED CURRENT

DATES DATES

12/22/2017 12/22/2017

1/6/2018 1/17/2018

N/A N/A

1/21/2018 2/1/2018

1/31/2018

2/5/2018

2/10/2018

3/3/2018

4/2/2018

4/3/2018

[i] The proposed dates shall be completed with the submission of the RFP Package. The dates cannot be modified.

Project AC Code:

Description:

Construction Cost:

Oracle Number:

Federal Number:

AC-801541

Hurricaine Maria Efforts for Signing and Guardrails $1 ,000,000.00

LPE0199541

ER-9999(283)

ESTIMATED COSTS PROPOSAL FOR DESIGN SERVICES FORM

PRTHA'S Recommendation

No. of Staffing Members

Project Phase Position (person)

Schematic Design (12%) Administrative 1 Project Manager 1 Principal Enaineer Civil 1 Draftsmen Civil 1 Subtotal 4

Preliminar Design (35%) Administrative 1 Proiect Manaaer 1 Principal Enaineer Civil 1 Draftsmen Civil 1 Subtotal 4

Final Design Phase (90%) Administrative 1 Project Manaaer 1 Principal Enaineer Civil 1 Draftsmen Civil 1 Subtotal 4

Final Design Phase (100%) Administrative 1 Proiect Manaaer 1 IPro1ect Manaaement- l::naineer 1 Draftsmen Civil 1 Subtotal 4

Total Projected Hours Total Fees For Positions

Overhead(%) Fixed Fee(%)

Total Fees for Design Studies Route Location and Reconnaissance Studies $ -

Land Survey $ - Photoqrammetry $ - Geotechnical Studv $ - Hvdroloaic Hydraulic Study $ - Scour Study $ - Subsurface Utility Enaineerina $ - Traffic Studv $ - Interstate Access Request Report (IARRl $ - Non-destructive Testinq Transportation Manaaement Plan rTMP\ $ - Bridae Ratina Report $ - Class of Action $ - Notice of Intent (NOil and Coordination Plan (CPl $ - Environmental Impact Statement (EIS\ $ - Cultural Resources Assessment Phase IA & IB $ - Cultural Resources Assessment Phase II $ - Memorandum of Aareement $ - Environmental Assessment IFONSI\ $ - Cateaorical Exclusion $ - Habitat Cateaorization for ONER $ - Tree lnventorv and Mitiaation Plantina Plan $ - Noise Air Qualitv Emissions $ - Bioloaical Assessment Environmental Justice $ - Socio Economic Study $ - Public Involvement and PROJECT Coordination Environmental Site Assessment (Type ASTM-Phase ll $ - Environmental Site Assessment (Type ASTM-Phase Ill $ - Presence of Asbestos and Lead Studv $40,000.00 l(USACE) Jurisdictional Determination IJD\ Joint Permit APPiication (USACEl -Nationwide ($)

Base Hourly Projected Fees Total Fees by

Hours (hr.) ($/hr/person) Position ($)

72 $25.00 $1,790.40 215 $50.00 $10,742.40 251 $45.00 $11 ,279.52 179 $25.00 $4,476.00

716.16 $28,288.32 137 $25.00 $3,431 .60 206 $50.00 $10,294.80 480 $45.00 $21 ,619.08 549 $25.00 $13,726.40

1,372.64 $49,071.88 328 $25.00 $8,206.00 492 $50.00 $24 618.00

1, 149 $45.00 $51 ,697.80 1,313 $25.00 $5.00

3,282.40 '' $84,526.80 60 $25.00 $1,492.00 179 $50.00 $8,952.00 /114 $45.llll 149 $25.00 $3,730.00

596.80 $23,573.60 5,968.00

$185,460.60 79% $146,513.87 15% $27,819.09

$359, 793.56 r Individual ($) $ - Individual with Mitigation Plan ($) $ - Underqround Injection Permit $ - Ecoloqical (Flora & Fauna) $ -l

Puerto Rico Planning Board (PRPB) and Autonomous Municipality (AM) adoption process $ - Benefit/Cost Analysis $ - 4(f) Proarammatic Determination $ - ROW Plans Tittle Search

Total of Studies $40,000.00 Sub-Total $40,000.00

Total $399, 793.56 Reimbursables CIAPR Stamps

Total Reimbursable Cost $0.00 Continqency 2% $0.00

Total Cost $399, 793.56

Prepared by: z .. -1'3

Revised by:

Brenda t!.Martiflez Rivera

Appendix D – State Historic Preservation Office Coordination

C u a r t e l d e B a l l a j á , S a n J u a n , P R ! P O B o x 9 0 2 3 9 3 5 , S a n J u a n , P R 0 0 9 0 2 - 3 9 3 5 ! w w w . o e c h . p r . g o v ! 7 8 7 - 7 2 1 - 3 7 3 7

Oficina Estatal de Conservación Histórica

March 13, 2020

Luis D. López Rivera, PE Senior Environmental Specialist Florida Puerto Rico and USVI Division Federal HIghway Administration 400 W Washington Street Suite 4200 Orlando, Florida 32801

SHPO: 02-07-20-04 EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM SIGNING AND

GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PR-1 FROM KM 0.0 TO KM 128.10, SAN JUAN

GUAYNABO, CAGUAS, AIBONITO, CAYEY, SALINAS, SANTA ISABEL, JUANA

DÍAZ AND PONCE, ISLANDWIDE/ AC-803578

Dear engineer López, As part of our responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) advises and assists, as appropriate, Federal and State agencies and municipalities in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities under 54 USC 306108 (commonly known as Section 106 of the NHPA) and its implementing regulation 36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties. Section 106 of the NHPA requires Federal agencies and other responsible entities to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on such undertakings. The SHPO participates in a four step Section 106 review process: 1) Initiating the process;

2) Identifying historic properties; 3) Assessing adverse effects; and 4) Resolving adverse effects.

The following information is necessary to continue our review:

1. Current photographs taken from ground level of the seven (7) contributing resources to the Carretera Central listing and the seventeen

(17) potentially eligible bridges, as well as their areas of potential effects (at a minimum, the project site and its surroundings). Traditional photographs may be substituted by digitals only if submitted in JPEG or PDF formats and saved in a compact disc (CD) or a USB Flash Drive. No Polaroid’s or photocopies will be accepted.

C u a r t e l d e B a l l a j á , S a n J u a n , P R ! P O B o x 9 0 2 3 9 3 5 , S a n J u a n , P R 0 0 9 0 2 - 3 9 3 5 ! w w w . o e c h . p r . g o v ! 7 8 7 - 7 2 1 - 3 7 3 7

Oficina Estatal de Conservación Histórica

2. A letter from the Federal agency, directed to the SHPO, authorizing the

Luis D. López Rivera, PE March 13, 2020

SHPO: 02-07-20-04 EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM SIGNING AND GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PR-1 FROM KM

0.0 TO KM 128.10, SAN JUAN GUAYNABO, CAGUAS, AIBONITO, CAYEY, SALINAS, SANTA ISABEL, JUANA DÍAZ

AND PONCE, ISLANDWIDE/ AC-803578

C u a r t e l d e B a l l a j á , S a n J u a n , P R ! P O B o x 9 0 2 3 9 3 5 , S a n J u a n , P R 0 0 9 0 2 - 3 9 3 5 ! w w w . o e c h . p r . g o v ! 7 8 7 - 7 2 1 - 3 7 3 7

Please include the SHPO project number in any future correspondence. If the requested documentation is not available, the Federal agency official or responsible entity must explain why it has not been submitted and when it can reasonably be expected to be provided to the SHPO.

The SHPO will have 30 days to respond after receiving an adequately documented finding or determination made by the agency official as per 36 CFR 800.3(c)(4), § 800.4(d)(1), § 800.5(c) and § 800.11. However, additional information may be required after initiating the section 106 process.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, do not hesitate to contact our Office.

Sincerely, Carlos A. Rubio-Cancela State Historic Preservation Officer

CARC/GMO/MC/SG

Identification of Cultural Resources and Assessment of Effects / Section 106 Review Process and Law 112 Compliance PR- 1 / Km 0.0 to Km 128.10 / Municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Caguas, Cayey, Salinas, Aibonito, Santa Isabel, Juana Diaz and Ponce

AC-803578

Prepared for:

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

Environmental Studies Office;

Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office;

and Council for the Protection of the Terrestrial Archaeological Heritage

Raquel Del C. Camacho-Hernández

February 4, 2020

Highway PR-1 Hurricane Maria Efforts for Signing and Guardrails

Identification of Cultural Resources and Assessment of Effects PR- 1, km 0.00 to 128.10, Various Municipalities AC-803578/Fed. No.ER-9999(283)

Preamble The Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) will perform signing and guardrails reconstructions/improvements on various roadways due to the damages caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The highways and roads to be intervened with this program are either within the Puerto Rico’s Federal Aid Highway System, or under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and Public Works. These reconstruction/improvements activities will be financed by Emergency Funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and/or State Funds.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires that all federal agencies take into account the potential effects of their proposed projects on historic properties. This form has the objective of facilitating, streamlining and expediting the PRHTA and FHWA’s NHPA, Section 106 compliance process; and the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (PRSHPO) review process for these projects.

I. Project General Information I.1. Project name: Emergency Relief Program – Signing and Guardrail Improvements PR-1 from KM 0.00 to KM 128.10 Between the Municipalities of San Juan to Ponce, Puerto Rico

I.2. State Project no.: AC-803578

I.3. Federal Project no.: ER-9999(283)

I.4. Road: PR-1

I.5. KM: 0.00 to 128.10

I.6. Municipality: San Juan, Guaynabo, Caguas, Cayey, Salinas, Aibonito, Santa Isabel, Juana Diaz and Ponce

I.7. Coordinates: LAT/LONG

Start:

Lat: 18.463618° Lon: -66.114178° End:

Lat: 18.010861° Lon: -66.616085°

NAD 83

Start:

Northing (m): 269,790.609

Easting (m): 233,710.762

End:

Northing (m): 219,628.587

Easting (m): 180,584.500

I.8 Proposed construction activities Describe the proposed construction activities. Include staging areas and new access roads, if any.

The PRHTA performed an assessment of PR-1 after the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria and identified damages to PR-1 related to the guardrail and traffic signs systems. These damages need to be addressed to ensure that PR-1 is safe to be used. The damages identified include guardrail damages caused by fallen trees and poles; signs that fell off from the poles; signs that failed from the base/foundation; and signs that were turned by the hurricanes’ winds.

This project consists of the reconstruction of signing and safety devices (associated with

Hurricanes Irma and María) along highway PR-1, from kilometer 0.0 to kilometer 128.1, between the Municipalities of San Juan and Ponce. The works includes signalization installation and/or replacement, guardrail installation/replacement, MOT activities, and other miscellaneous works.

A copy of the Project Plans for the road is included in Appendix 1. The project area is defined on

Appendix 1 in the pages titled Plan Sheet Key Map, GR-17 to GR-26.

This Project will be financed with funds from the Emergency Relief Program associated to

Hurricanes Irma and María. The preconstruction effort for these activities resulted in a significant delay for construction funds obligation and the two-year period concluded. Nevertheless, to start the permanent repair construction in our federal aid roadway system, a time extension for one year was requested by PRHTA. FHWA granted the one-year extension on September 26, 2019.

The proposed actions are not expected to have adverse effect on historical properties because the corridor where the project is located has been previously altered during the road’s construction, the proposed activities do not require intervention with historic properties or have an enough buffer zone to protect them. Nevertheless, part of the proposed project is located within a historic district and adjacent to historic properties eligible, potentially eligible or registered in the National Register of Historic Places, the undertaking does not conform to the requirements of the Programmatic Agreement among FHWA, PRHTA, SHPO and ACHP. Copy of this agreement is included in Appendix 2. The purpose of this document is to present the results of the cultural resources assessment performed and the determination of potential effects on historic properties.

If a new historic property is identified or an unexpected cultural resource is encountered at any time within the project area, work will cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries and

SHPO will be notified. Modification to the proposed activities will be conducted to avoid adverse effect to the resource.

As a precautionary measure, the project plans have been annotated to identify the historic properties and any protection measures during construction, as might be required.

II. Cultural Resources1. Desk Review.

For purposes of this form, the project’s Area of Potential Effects (APE) corresponds to the project area.2

II.1. Are there any known archaeological sites within or adjacent to the project area?

___ No. _X__ Yes. Complete Table 1.

II.2. Are there any known buildings, structures or objects within the project area?

II.3. Is the project located within a known historic district or adjacent to one?

II.4. Is the segment of the road where the project is located 50 years or older?

___ No. _X__ Yes. Include in Table 1.

II.5. Are there any prior cultural resources surveys conducted within the project area or that include the project area?

___No. Continue to section III. _X__ Yes. Complete Table 2 and continue to II.6.

II.6. Were cultural resources identified in a prior cultural resources survey?

___No. Continue to section III. _X__ Yes. Include resource in Table 1.

1 For definitions and examples of concepts (site, buildings, structures, objects) refer to the National Register Bulletin How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation https://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb15/nrb15_4.htm 2 To review the project area refer to Appendix 1.

III. Site Visit

III.1. Name of archaeologist who conducted the site visit and date(s) of the visit:

Raquel del C. Camacho-Hernández, January 2020

III.2. Is there a bridge, culvert, or other drainage structures in the project area?

___ No. Continue to III.4. _X__ Yes. Continue to III.3.

III.3. Is the structure 50 years or older?

____ No. Continue to III.4. _X__ Yes. Include in Table 1 and continue to III.4.

III.4. During the site visit, were previously unknown sites, buildings, structures or objects identified within or adjacent to the project area?

_X__ No. Continue to III.6. ___Yes. Continue to III.5.

III.5. Is the site, building, structure or object that was identified during the site visit 50 years or older?

___ No. Continue to III.6. ___Yes. Include in Table 1 and continue to III.6.

III.6. Describe the current conditions of the project area, including staging areas and new access roads.

PR-1 is a highway in Puerto Rico that connects the city of Ponce to San Juan. Leaving Ponce, the road heads east and follows a somewhat parallel route along the southern coast of the island heading towards Salinas. At Salinas, the road turns north to cut through the Cordillera Central in its approach to San Juan. Before reaching San Juan, it climbs to make its way to the mountain town of Cayey and then it winds down into the city of Caguas on its final approach to San Juan.

PR-1 is an undivided two-lane road, with some exceptions. In Ponce, it is a six-lane divided highway in its intersection with PR-578 and PR-2 in Sabanetas. There is a short segment in Cayey where PR-1 is also a divided highway. It becomes a divided road once again from Caguas to San

Juan at a sector known as "La Muda". PR-1 is roughly parallel to PR-52 throughout its entire length. Prior to PR-52's inauguration, PR-1 was the route of choice from traveling between Ponce and San Juan.

In terms of signaling and guardrail conditions, the signs and guardrails along this road were damaged and in occasions lost as a result of the powerful winds brought by Hurricanes Irma and

María. The plans included in Appendix 1 contain an inventory of signs/guardrails, the current status of each sign/guardrail and determines if each element will be repaired/replaced or maintained as is.

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Cultural Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

1 Old San Juan Historic District

PR and US’s oldest urban center.

See Appendix 3 for this Historic

District’s limits.

1509 Within Listed No adverse effect

2 US Post Office and Court House First federal large-scale building constructed in PR 1914 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

3 El Falansterio First public housing development in PR 1937 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

4 Puente San Antonio One of two concrete bridges constructed in PR by the American Railroad Company of Puerto Rico

1927 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

5 Figueroa Apartments

This structure is significant due to its relevance regarding its architectonic features and the Miramar sector’s urban planning history.

1935 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

6 Acueducto de San Juan First aqueduct project developed in

San Juan 1846 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

7 Puente #3 Oldest existing bridge associated to the Carretera Central. 1846 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

8 Alcaldía de Caguas Designed and constructed by the

Real Cuerpo de Ingenieros.

Considered as an example of civil

1856 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

Spanish architecture in the Caguas general area.

Plaza Publica de

Caguas Constructed approximately on 1800 1800 Adjacent Not eligible No effect

10 Carretera Central

Characterized as “the finest road in the Western Hemisphere” by the editors of the American Harper’s Weekly publication in 1898. First highway to cross Puerto Rico’s east-west mountain range. An extraordinary engineering feat due to the complexities associated to its constructability.

1946 Within Listed No adverse effect

Casilla de Camineros

#2

Road mender’s houses are a significant contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

Casilla de Camineros

#3

Road mender’s houses are a significant contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

13 Puente 11 – Las Quebradillas

Historic bridge built in 1879. Bridge #11 was built by the Spanish using metallic components fabricated by Belgian firm E. Rollin. Its abutment is adjunct to bridge #961

1879 Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

14 Alcantarilla Histórica #1

Historic drainage sewer associated to the Carretera Central Historic

District (contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central)

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

15 Alcantarilla Histórica #2

Historic drainage sewer associated to the Carretera Central Historic

District (contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central)

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

16 Alcantarilla Histórica #3

Historic drainage sewer associated to the Carretera Central Historic

District (contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central)

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

17 Alcantarilla Histórica #4

Historic drainage sewer associated to the Carretera Central Historic

District (contributing component to Within

Listed (Carretera Central -

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central) contributing resource)

18 Alcantarilla Histórica #5

Historic drainage sewer associated to the Carretera Central Historic

District (contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central)

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

19 Alcantarilla Histórica #6

Historic drainage sewer associated to the Carretera Central Historic

District (contributing component to the built landscape associated to the Carretera Central)

Within

Listed (Carretera Central -contributing resource)

No adverse effect

20 Puente 2702

Bridge that provide access to the Old San Juan islet located over the San Antonio Channel, a historical route. Included into the Program

Comment3 Consideration Criteria A

2003 Within Potentially eligible

3 Program Comment - On November 2, 2012, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) issued a Program Comment to relieve all Federal agencies from the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) requirement to consider the effects of undertakings on certain common bridges and culverts constructed of concrete or steel after 1945 (Program Comment). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requested the Program Comment and is responsible for implementation of the requirements for its implementation, including programmatic mitigation for the effects of undertakings on post-1945 common bridges. Source: https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_topics/historic_pres/program_comment.aspx

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

21 Puente 2793

One of the 3 bridges that provide access to the Old San Juan islet.

As per Program Comment, does not require additional SHPO consultation under Section 106 (Included in PC Table 2)

2007 Within Not eligible No effect

22 Puente 744 Bridge on PR-1, intersection #5.

Included into the Program Comment Consideration Criteria A

1958 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

23 Puente 1969 Bridge on PR-1 1991 Within Not eligible No effect

24 Puente 745 Bridge (puente peatonal) on PR-1 1950 Within Not eligible No effect

25 Puente 689 Bridge on PR-1 1954 Within Not eligible No effect

26 Puente 1998 Bridge on PR-1 1971 Within Not eligible No effect

27 Puente 911 Bridge on PR-1 1971 Within Not eligible No effect

28 Puente 913 Bridge on PR-1 1971 Within Not eligible No effect

29 Puente 917 Bridge on PR-1 1971 Within Not eligible No effect

30 Puente 920 Bridge on PR-1 920 Within Not eligible No effect

31 Puente 2640 Bridge on PR-1 2000 Within Not eligible No effect

32 Puente 675 Bridge on PR-1 1953 Within Not eligible No effect

33 Puente 2261 Bridge on PR-1 1993 Within Not eligible No effect

34 Puente 2013 Bridge on PR-1 1944 Within Not eligible No effect

35 Puente 1257 Bridge on PR-1 1957 Within Not eligible No effect

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

36 Puente 1259 Bridge on PR-1 1976 Within Not eligible No effect

37 Puente 1258 Bridge on PR-1 1977 Within Not eligible No effect

38 Puente 953 Bridge on PR-1 1967 Within Not eligible No effect 39 Puente 954 Bridge on PR-1 1967 Within Not eligible No effect 40 Puente 1092 Bridge on PR-1 1976 Within Not eligible No effect 41 Puente 1910 Bridge on PR-1 1989 Within Not eligible No effect 42 Puente 995 Bridge on PR-1 1945 Within Not eligible No effect 43 Puente 8 Bridge on PR-1 1947 Within Not eligible No effect 44 Puente 662 Bridge on PR-1 1953 Within Not eligible No effect 45 Puente 1285 Bridge on PR-1 1972 Within Not eligible No effect

46 Puente 1337 Bridge on PR-1 1890 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

47 Puente 961 Bridge on PR-1 1879 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

48 Puente 1338 Bridge on PR-1 1870 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

49 Puente 1339 Bridge on PR-1 1900 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

50 Puente 1340 Bridge on PR-1 1935 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

51 Puente 1341 Bridge on PR-1 1900 Within Potentially eligible

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

52 Puente 1342 Bridge on PR-1 1900 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

53 Puente 12 Bridge on PR-1 1944 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

54 Puente 13 Bridge on PR-1 1949 Within Not eligible No effect 55 Puente 14 Bridge on PR-1 1949 Within Not eligible No effect

56 Puente 15 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-47 1927 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

57 Puente 16 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-47 1927 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

58 Puente 17 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-47 1929 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

59 Puente 18 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-47 1926 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

60 Puente 19 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-47 1926 Within Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

61 Puente 2686 Bridge on PR-1 constructed in 2003 to replace original PR-47 bridge (adjacent)

2003 Within Not eligible No effect

62 Puente 1232 Bridge on PR-52, constructed in 1972 over PR-1 1972 Adjacent Not eligible No effect

63 Puente 1233 Bridge on PR-52, constructed in 1972 over PR-1 1972 Adjacent Not eligible No effect

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

64 Puente 3008 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-3 (until circa 1952) 2015 Within Not eligible No effect

65 Puente 22 Bridge on PR-1 1940 Within Not eligible No effect

66 Puente 1424 Bridge on PR-1 1977 Within Not eligible No effect

67 Puente 23 Bridge on PR-1 1921 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

68 Puente 2515 Bridge on PR-1 1997 Within Not eligible No effect

69 Puente 2325 Bridge on PR-1 1993 Within Not eligible No effect

70 Puente 25 Bridge on PR-1, formerly PR-3 1919 Within Potentially eligible No adverse effect

71 Puente 1942 Bridge on PR-52 1990 Adjacent Not eligible No effect

72 Puente 1941 Bridge on PR-52 1990 Adjacent Not eligible No effect

73 Puente 1229 Bridge on PR-1 1975 Within Not eligible No effect

74 Puente 2395 Bridge on PR-12, over PR-1 1996 Adjacent Not eligible No effect

75 Puente 1922 Bridge on PR-1 1990 Within Not eligible No effect

Distrito Histórico de

Ponce

Denominated as a historical district by the Junta de Planificación.

See Appendix 4 for this Historic District’s limits

1800 Within Eligible No adverse effect

Residencia Salazar

Candal

Private residence located in the Ponce traditional urban center

1911 Adjacent Listed

Table 1: Archaeological sites, historic properties and historic districts located within or adjacent to the project area.

Resource Control Number

(CR)

Name SHPO ID Description Circa

Is the site within or adjacent the project area? /

NRHP

eligibility

(listed, eligible, potentially eligible, not-eligible, unknown)

Determination

78 Residencia Villaronga Private residence located in the Ponce traditional urban center 1921 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

79 Residencia Subira Private residence located in the Ponce traditional urban center 1910 Adjacent Listed No adverse effect

80 SN-7 Prehistoric archaeological site Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

81 SI-1 Prehistoric archaeological area of interest

Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

82 SI-2 Prehistoric archaeological site Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

83 SI-9 Prehistoric archaeological site Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

84 Hacienda Pales Private property Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

85 Not Codified #1 Prehistoric archaeological site Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

86 Not Codified #2 Prehistoric archaeological area of interest

Adjacent Potentially eligible

No adverse effect

87 Not Codified #3 Prehistoric archaeological area of interest

Adjacent Potentially eligible

Table 2: Cultural Resources surveys conducted within the project area or that include the project area

Author Phase/Title Year SHPO/IPRC report code Results/Recommendations

PR SHPO NATIONAL REGISTER

OF HISTORIC PLACES

REGISTRATION FORM –

CARRETERA CENTRAL

2019 ENTERED IN THE

NATIONAL REGISTER

PR SHPO NATIONAL REGISTER

OF HISTORIC PLACES

REGISTRATION FORM –

DISTRITO HISTORICO

DEL VIEJO SAN JUAN

2012 ENTERED IN THE

NATIONAL REGISTER

PR SHPO NATIONAL REGISTER

OF HISTORIC PLACES

REGISTRATION FORM –

HISTORIC BRIDGES OF

PUERTO RICO c. 1840 -

1995 ENTERED IN THE

NATIONAL REGISTER

IV. Effects on historic properties

Fill this section for each cultural resource listed on Table 1. If there are no resources, continue to section V.

There are 87 cultural resources identified within the project’s APE, a review form for each one follows.

This space has been intentionally left blank.

Cultural resource name and i.d. code(s):

1- Distrito Histórico del Viejo San Juan

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

___ Unknown. A NRHP-eligibility assessment or Phase II Evaluation should be recommended in section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural resource?

___ Yes. Continue to IV.4. _X_ No. Continue to section V.

IV.4. Can this adverse effect be avoided?

___Yes. Explain below and continue to section V.

___ No. In section V, include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

2 – US Post Office and Court House

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

3 – El Falansterio

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

4 – Puente San Antonio

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

5 – Figueroa Apartments

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

6 – Acueducto de San Juan

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

7 – Puente #3

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

8 – Alcaldía de Caguas

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

___No. Explain below and continue to section V.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

9 – Plaza Pública de Caguas

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

___ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

_X_ No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate the adverse effect on this property.

_X__No. Explain below and continue to section V.

Although this plaza is more than 50 years old, it is not associated with a significant event or person, nor it embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction. It is concluded therefore, that the Caguas Plaza does not meet any of the criteria of significance to be considered eligible to the NRHP.

IV.3. Will any of the project activities have an adverse effect on this cultural resource, or will any of the project activities alter, directly or indirectly, the significance or integrity of this cultural

10 – Carretera Central

IV.1. Is this cultural resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)?

_X_ Yes. Continue to IV.3.

___No. Continue to IV.2

IV.2. Is this cultural resource eligible to the NRHP? Does it have integrity and research potential?

___Yes. Explain below. Discuss structure significance and integrity. In section V you should include recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate…