Archaeological Assessment of Project MAIM-75-1(226), Cook County

The proposed project consists of Phase II building renovations and parkinq lot expansions at Rest Areas 5 and 6 in Cook County. Rest Area # 5 is located on the east side of I-7 at milepoint 15.25. Rest Area # 6 is located on the west side of 1-75 at milepoint 16.50. The proposed project at Rest Area # 5 will utilize a maximum of approximately 91.4 meters (300 feet) of additional required right-of-way east of the existing rest area. The proposed project at Rest Area # 6 will utilize a maximum of approximately 79.2 meters (260 feet) of additional required right-of-way west of the existing rest area. Also, both rest areas will be tied into existing public water and sewage lines. Water and sewer lines will be placed within the existing right-of-way along the west side of 1-75 from milepoint 15.25 northerly to milepoint 17.05. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire length of the 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.