Archaeological Assessment of Project IM-85-2(180) Franklin County

Project IM-85-2(180) would connect Safety Rest Area # 81 along the 1-85 north corridor to existing water and sewer facilities in Franklin County. Water and sewer line placement will begin in the northeast quadrant of Safety Rest Area # 81 then will be placed on new location easterly for approximately 91 meters (300 feet) to an end point at SR 59. From that point, water and sewer lines will be placed within the SR 59 existing right-of-way southwesterly for approximately 200 meters (650 feet) before tying into existing local facilities. The existing right-of-way on SR 59 is approximately 30.5 meters (100 feet). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire length of the proposed project corridor. 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 Section 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 proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register archaeological 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.