Zilker Park archaeological dig approved

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The City of Austin gave the go ahead to spend $700,000 Thursday on an archaeological dig in Zilker Park . The three-month dig passed with a 7-to-0 vote. Archaeologists will start work in the park sometime in February near the rugby fields on the south side of Barton Springs Road .

More than 10,000 years ago, hunters and gatherers lived in the area, and whatever is found from the past will go to a lab. The 172-square-foot dig will run 18 feet deep.

However, the approval comes at a time when economic times are tough. The company in charge of the dig, Ecological Communications Corporation said the money was already set aside in the budget, and the site was discovered after a major sewer project in the park happened in 2007.

By law, the National Historic Preservation Act helps make the project possible.  The company said the dig is much more complex than what people may think.

"The budget covers not just the archaeology but also security, fencing, protecting the site and protecting people from falling in or just trying to steal artificats," said Victor Palma with Ecological Communications Corporation. "Theoretically, they (the artificats) belong to the state."