Archaeological Reassessment of Projects BR-003-00(452) and CSSFT-0008-00(400), Walker County

The proposed project would replace two bridges on Happy Valley Road/CR 835 over Chattanooga Creek, 4.20 miles southwest of the City of Rossville, Walker County, Georgia. In addition, the intersection of CR 835/Happy Valley Road and SR 193 would be improved including the installation of a signal. Existing right-of-way on CR 835 is approximately 50 feet with an additional required right-of-way of 30 feet. Originally surveyed in July 2005 by Luke Erickson, these projects have since changed to include a reduction in the length of the project on the west side of SR 193 and the addition of five feet of right-of way between stations 19+95 and 20+60 on the north side of Happy Valley Road as well as between stations 16+50 and 19+40 on the south side of the road. 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.