Archeological Survey of the South Rhodes Center Project, Fulton County

            In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the South Rhodes Center Project, Fulton 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 consists of the construction of a retaining wall for a proposed parking area under the Buford Highway Connector on-ramp bridge over Spring Street, within ODOT's right-of-way. Though this project is neither federal nor state funded, because it involves construction along a limited access highway, it will require an encroachment easement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire length of the 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 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 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.