"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project CSSTP-0006-00(476), Dodge/Laurens 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.
As originally proposed, project CSSTP-0006-00(476) would involve proposed roadway safety improvements at 20 sites along State Route 117, between the city of Eastman in Dodge County to SR 29/US 441 in Laurens County (see attached location map). The project has been revised since the 2007 survey by Pamela Johnson and now includes only 8 project sites, a reduction in the scope of work. Construction will consist of the extension of drainage structures at each site, installation of guardrail where required, and slope reconstruction. Small amounts of required right-of-way and easements for the construction of drives and slopes will be necessary, and these are situated in the immediate vicinity of the drainage sites. An archeological survey consistent with the project revisions was performed within the project corridor.
An archeological survey (Level I) 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 agreement1 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.
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