In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-2412(2) in Hall 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.
Project STP-2412(2) consists of the widening and reconstruction of SR 53 from two lanes to four lanes, between SR 369/Browns Bridge Road to the SR 53 Connector. The approximate project length is 2.1 miles. Most of the project would take place within the existing right-of way, which varies from approximately 125 to 250 feet. This project was originally surveyed using preliminary aerial layouts in 1998. The project design was recently revised to include temporary easements for seven sediment basins that will be located on the slopes above several drainages. The sediment basin easements extend an additional 100-150 feet beyond required right-of-way.
An archaeological survey (Level U) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.
No existing or eligible National Register resources were located during the current survey within the recently revised 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.
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