Archaeological Assessment of BRF-031-1(29), Turner County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, BRF-031-1 (29), Turner 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.

Originally, the proposed project consisted of the replacement of the bridge on SR 32 over Little Sand Creek in Turner County. The project began approximately 175 m (574.2 ft) west of Little Sand Creek and ended approximately 185 m (607 ft) east of Little Sand Creek. The existing right-of-way is approximately 30.5 m (100 ft). No additional permanent right-of-way is to be required; however, a temporary easement measuring approximately 243.8 m x 12.2 m (799.9 ft x 40.0 ft) to be utilized for an on-site detour south of Little Sand Creek would be required. An archaeological survey was conducted by Brandon Higginbotham in January 1996 for the proposed project corridor. No archaeological resources were identified.

Currently, neither the objective nor the termini have changed. Additional required right-of-way would now measure approximately 4.76 m (15.6 ft) on the south side of SR 32 and approximately 5.76 m (18.9 ft) on the north side of SR 32. Also, there would be a temporary easement required for an on-site runaround detour on the south side of SR 32 measuring approximately 300 rn x 18.8 m (984.3 ft x 61.7 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire revised project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GOOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines developed by the GOOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff 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.