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During late 1991 through mid-1992, Archaeological Research Services, Inc., performed archaeological evaluation and limited test excavation activities at seven Hohokam sites. These sites are located partially within four intersection improvement areas along State Route 87 north of Mesa in Maricopa County, Arizona (USGS Mesa, Ariz. 7.5' 1952/1982; USGS Sawik Mountain, Ariz. 7.5' 1964/1982). The Arizona Department of Transportation requested that Archaeological Research Services perform the work in anticipation of Project F- 053-1-521 (TRACS #087 MA 178 H2729 01 C). The improvement areas occur within an existing highway right-of-away easement crossing Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community lands. These areas total less than 6.9 acres. Archaeological Research Services evaluated the sites in order to determine if project activities would have negative impacts upon previously identified archaeological remains. Additionally, data recovery investigations were performed at sites subject to negative impacts

In late August, 1988, Archaeological Research Services, Inc. performed a cultural resources survey of an approximately 4700 ft long by 67 ft wide (7.23 acres) corridor of highway easement along the northwest side of State Route 87 (between Center Street and Mesa Drive) for the Arizona Department of Transportation. This study area is located north of Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona on lands of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Six prehistoric archaeological sites were observed and recorded during the course of this project (four previously recorded, and two newly recorded). It has been concluded that all six sites are eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It has been recommended that these sites be avoided by restricting all construction activities to areas specified in this report. If construction activities cannot be so restricted, it has been advised that an archaeological testing program be undertaken to determine the presence/absence of sub-surface cultural resources. Provisional archaeological clearance has been recommended for the proposed highway improvement project contingent upon the sponsor's agreement to implement site avoidance procedures.