Archaeological Reevaluation of Project STP-174-1(7), Columbia County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-174-1(7), Columbia 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 proposed project would consist of the widening and reconstruction of SR 232 in Columbia County. The proposed project would begin at County Road 221 and would extend easterly to an end point at the intersection of SR 383 and SR 232. The proposed construction would provide two 12-ft. travel lanes in each direction separated by a 14 ft. flush median with curb, gutter, and sidewalk on both sides of the roadway throughout the length of the proposed project. The existing right-of-way on SR 232 is approximately 150 feet. A maximum of approximately 200 feet of additional required right-of-way will be needed for project implementation. The total length of the proposed project is approximately 1.83 miles. This corridor was surveyed by Eric Duff in 2005. No eligible properties were located during the previous survey. This reevaluation investigated the realignment of a portion of North Old Belair Road as it ties into SR 232. Originally this work required 0.98 acre of right-of-way; however, this realignment now requires 1.76 acres of required right-of-way. An archeological survey consistent with these project revisions was performed within the project corridor. An archeological survey (Level II) 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.