Archaeological Survey of Project STP-0005-00(316), Gordon County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-0005-00(316), Gordon County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological 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 archeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The original project description, issued on October 24, 2007 is as follows: The proposed project is located in Gordon County in the city of Sonoraville at the intersection of SR 53 and CR 373 (Cash/Folsom Road). The project would construct left turn lanes in both directions along SR 53. Construction on CR 373 (Cash/Folsom Road) would consist of the leveling of vertical curves and a slight realignment of Folsom Road. The existing typical section consists of two 12' travel lanes with 8' (2' paved and 6' grassed) shoulders on a. variable right-of-way of 60' - 100'. The proposed typical section would consist of two 12' travel lanes with two 12' left turn lanes, one in each direction, and 10' (2' paved and 8' grassed) shoulders on 100' of right-of-way. The total project length on SR 53 would be 1675 feet. The total project length on CR 373 (Cash/Folsom Road) would be 660 feet. Since the initial project notification, the project has been revised as follows to include additional right-of-way on parcels adjacent to SR 53 and Old Fairmount Road (totaling approximately 6,860 sq. ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the project specifications and revisions was conducted along the project corridor. An archeological survey (Level 11) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer is required. 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.