Archaeological Reevaluation of Projects STP-209-1(2) and BHF-209-1(3), Fayette County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects STP-209-1(2) and BHF-209-1(3), 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 projects would widen and reconstruct SR 74/Joel Cowan Parkway from SR 85 to just south of Crosstown Drive. The existing two-lane roadway would be widened to four 12-foot travel lanes, two in each direction, separated by a 20-foot raised median. Existing right-of-way is 100 feet and the proposed roadway would require up to 270 feet of right-of-way. The total project length would be 3.3 miles. This reevaluation was concerned with minor alignment shifts and the addition of easements throughout the corridor. From Station 155+53 to 194+45 the alignment was shifted to the north a maximum of 50 feet. The right-of-way has also been expanded to 270 feet at Station 180+00 for a box culvert. All changes have been 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.