Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-003-1(34)(38), Douglas County, Reevaluation

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-003-1 (34) (38), Douglas County has 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect.

The proposed project originally consisted of the widening and reconstruction of SR 8/US 78 in the cities of Douglasville and Lithia Springs. The project would begin at the intersection of SR 92 and would end at the intersection of Thornton Road. The existing right-of-way varies from approximately 15.2 m (SO ft) to 18.3 m (60 ft). Approximately 36.6 m (120 ft) of additional required right-of-way would be necessary for the completion of the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor by Teresa Paglione in 1990.

Currently, the proposed project would have the same termini. Existing right-of-way now varies from approximately 24. 4 m (80 ft) to 27. 4 m (90 ft). The overall additional required right-of-way has not changed, but the placement of that right-of-way has been shifted in order to avoid impacts to historic resources in the area. Only the intersection of US 78 and Burnt Hickory Road has been changed significantly. Currently, the intersection reconstruction would be shifted to the northeast of its present alignment in order to avoid impacts to the Forsyth Family Cemetery. This would involve the addition of approximately 45.7 m (150 ft) of required right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the current project description was conducted along the entire project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in 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 existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project’s area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.