Archaeological Reeavluation of Project STP-0000-00(759), Lincoln County

This project consists of the relocation of SR 79 along CR 278/New Petersburg Road from SR 79 to SR 43 northeast of the city of Lincointon in Lincoln County (see attached location map). The typical sectjon consists of two 12-ft travel lanes with 10-ft grassed shoulders (4-ft paved) on each side. Existing right-ofway along SR 79 is 100 ft. Required right-of-way along SR 79 varies from 0 to 50 ft. Existing right-of-way along CR 278 is 80-ft. Required right-of-way along CR 278 varies from 0 to 40 ft, with additional widths out to 90-ft around drainage structures. CR 278 would be shifted approximately 450-ft west to form an 87 degree angle with SR 43, requiring 400-ft of additional right-of-way. The eastern section of Firetower Road would be realigned approximately 90-ft north of its existing location and would require approximately 135ft of right-of-way. The western section of Firetower Road would be realigned approximately 25-ft north of its existing location, requiring an additional 25-ft on each side of the road. The total project length is approximately 1.66 miles. 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.