§1604. Responsibilities of the division

The division shall initiate and promulgate a program in archaeology, which shall include but not be limited to the activities delineated in this Section. In carrying out this responsibility, the division shall:

(1) Promulgate reasonable rules and regulations concerning the recovery and study of historic and prehistoric archaeological remains which in any way relate to the inhabitants, prehistory, history, government, or culture, in, on, or under any of the lands belonging to the state of Louisiana, including the tidelands, submerged lands, and the bed of the sea within the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana. These remains shall include but shall not be limited to:

(a) All prehistoric and historic American Indian or aboriginal campsites, dwellings, habitation sites, burial grounds, and archaeological sites of every character;

(b) All historic sites, objects, and buildings;

(c) All sunken or abandoned ships and wrecks of the sea or rivers, or any part of the content thereof;

(d) All treasure embedded in the earth or underwater; and

(e) All maps, records, documents, books, artifacts, and implements of culture which relate to such archaeological remains.

(2) Maintain the state archaeological site files, including but not limited to site records, field notes, maps, photographs, and reports.

(3) Function as legal custodian for all archaeological artifacts and objects of antiquity which have been recovered from state lands or donated from private lands, except those donated to the Louisiana State Museum or the office of state parks. The repository of all artifacts under the control of the division shall take into consideration the public nature and research value of these objects and insure that they are accessible to maximum public exhibit consistent with their preservation.

(4) Implement a program of activities that will make available to the public information about the historic and prehistoric resources of the state. This shall include but shall not be limited to press releases, newsletters, booklets, exhibits, audio-visual programs, and teaching materials.

(5) Serve as the archaeological advisory source for all state agencies by assisting them in evaluating any potential impact of their projects on archaeological resources.

(6) Administer those portions of the National Historic Preservation Act relative to archaeology.

(7) Advise the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the state historic preservation officer on matters affecting archaeology.

(8) Administer an archaeological grants program.

(9) Implement for the state the Abandoned Shipwreck Act.

Acts 1989, No. 291, §1.