Archaeological Assessment of Projects FR-074-2(24) and (25) and BHF-074-2(26), Fayette County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, GDOT Projects FR-074-2(24) and (25), and BHF-074-2(26) , Fayette County, have been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify, and evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the projects' corridors. The proposed projects would widen and reconstruct SR 85 from Old SR 92 to SR 74 south of Fayetteville. Project FR-074-2(25) consists of the widening of SR 85 beginning at SR 74 and continuing north to Bernhard Road. Project BHF-074-2 (26) consists of the widening of the existing bridge and the construction of a new parallel bridge over Whitewater Creek. Project FR-074-2(24) consists of the widening of SR 85 from Bernhard Road to the inter-section with Old SR 92. Existing right-of-way is 130 feet; 200 feet of right-of-way would be required. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/ FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/ scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No archaeological resources were located within corridors as described in paragraph two above. It the proposed is concluded, therefore, that the projects will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the projects conform to that described above."