Archaeological Assessment of Project CSSTP-0006-00(476), Dodge/Laurens County

Archaeological Assessment of Project CSSTP-0006-00(476), Dodge/Laurens County. 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, project CSSTP-0006-00(476) in Dodge and Laurens Counties, 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. CSSTP-0006-00(476) involves proposed roadway safety improvements at 20 sites along State Route 117, between the city of Eastman in Dodge County to SR 29/US 441 in Laurens County (see attached location map). The existing roadway consists of two 12' travel lanes with rural shoulders. The construction proposes safety enhancements including extensions of major structures (culverts), flattening slopes, and guardrail installations in 20 areas deemed to have side slopes that are steeper than 4:1. As these areas are near drainage structures and have limited right-of-way, additional right-of-way will be required at most locations. The maximum additional required right-of-way varies from 10-50 feet outside of the existing right-of-way, which is approximately 130 feet. An archaeological gical survey consistent with the project specifications was conducted in the project area. 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.