Archaeological Reassessment of Projects STP-179-1(10)(11)(12) & CSSTP-000-800(382), Bartow & Polk Counties

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document: "In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects STP-179-1(10)(11)(12) & CSSTP-000-800(382), Bartow and Polk Counties have 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 projects would widen and reconstruct a portion of SR 113 from CR 31 to SR 61 in Bartow and Polk Counties. The project was originally surveyed in 1991 by Teresa Paglione and again by Teresa Lotti in 2001 (HP910916-001). Since that time, the projects have been changed to include an additional 50 feet of mainline widening for 200 feet on the south side of SR 113 on either side of Raccoon Creek. Existing right-of-way on SR 113 is 100 feet. Required right-of-way varies along SR 113 with a maximum of 300 feet. In addition, an intersection improvement is proposed for Friction Drive where it meets Old SR 113. Friction Drive would be widened to the west with a variable amount of right-of-way. The existing right-of-way for Friction Drive is 100 feet. Required right-of-way varies with a maximum of 50 feet. The realignment of Old Alabama Road where it meets Old SR 113 is also proposed. This realignment would require a widening of Brown Farm Road/CR 533 and the obliteration of the pavement of Old Alabama Road at its intersection with Old SR 113. The existing right-ofway for Brown Farm Road/CR 533 is 30 feet. The required right-of-way for Brown Farm Road/CR 533 is an additional 70 feet. Lastly, easements have been added throughout the corridor of various sizes. 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".