Archaeological Reassessment of Project IM-20-2(141), Newton County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project IM-20-2(141) in Newton 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 would consist of symmetrical widening of the State Route 142 bridge over 1-20 in Newton County. The proposed required right-of-way would vary from approximately 16.4 feet to 115 feet. The project was originally surveyed and cleared by former GDOT archaeologist Rick Richardson in 1999; subsequent SHPO concurrence was received soon thereafter. Since that time the proposed project has changed to include easements of variable width throughout the length of the project. In addition, the project has been lengthened on the northern terminus by 100 feet (no additional required right-of-way will be needed for this design change). No archaeological sites were located in reference to this reassessment. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along 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 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.