Archaeological Reevaluation of Project CSSTP-007-00(006), Fayette County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project CSSTP-0007-00(006), Fayette 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 improve the intersection of SR 85 at CR 126Bernhard Road. The proposed project would consist of the addition of left and right turn lanes on SR 85 in both directions; left turn lanes would be added on CR 126/Bernhard Road in both directions. Existing right-of-way is 130 feet on SR 86 and 80 feet on CR 126Bernhard Road. Proposed right-of-way would be approximately 200 feet on SR 85 and would vary on CR 126Bernhard Road from 80-200 feet. The project length is 0.47 mile along SR 85 and 0.51 mile along CR 126Bernhard Road. This reevaluation was concerned with increased amounts of right-of-way along SR 85 and CR 126Bernhard Road. All changes were surveyed for cultural resources. 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.