Archaeological Assessment of Project NH-208-1(11), Paulding County-Revaluation

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NH-208-1(11), Paulding 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 would consist of the addition of a center turn lane and a right turn lane to all four approaches at the intersection of SR 61 and SR 120 Connector. A portion of SR 61 would be reconstructed to improve sight distance, and a portion of SR 120 Connector would be relocated to intersect SR 61 closer to 90 degrees. Signalization of the intersection would also be included in the proposed project. Along SR 61, the project would begin approximately 350 m (1,148 ft) north of the intersection and would end approximately 400 m (1,312 ft) south of the intersection. Along SR 120 Connector, the project would begin approximately 146 m (479 ft) east of the intersection and would end approximately 460 m (1,5409 ft) west of the intersection. Existing right-of-way on SR 61 is approximately 30. 5 m (100 ft), and on SR 120 Connector, it is approximately 24.4 m (80 ft). Additional required right-of-way along SR 61 varies from 3 m (9.8 ft) to 7 m (23 ft) while along SR 120 Connector, it varies from 3m (9.8 ft) to 50 m (164 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor.

The current concept has been revised. The required right-of-way along SR 61 now varies from approximately 3 m (9.8 ft) to 9 m (29.5 ft). Along SR 120 Connector, it varies from approximately 9 m (29.5 ft) to 75 m (246.1 ft). An additional archaeological survey consistent with the revised 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.