Archaeological Re-assessment of Project BRZLB-04 7(5), Catoosa County

In compliance with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BRZLB-047(5), Catoosa County has been surveyed with respect to archaeological 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 archaeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. Project BRZLB-047(5) would replace the structurally deficient bridge on CR 259 over Little Chickamauga Creek on new location in Catoosa County. The proposed project would begin on new location approximately 800 feet east of SR !51 at the tie-in to GDOT project STPIM-180-1 (6), Catoosa County. From that point, the proposed project would continue easterly for approximately 1150 feet, where a new bridge would be constructed over Little Chickamauga Creek. The proposed project would continue easterly for approximately 900 feet to an end point at CR 259. The existing right-of-way on CR 259 is approximately 80 feet. A maximum of approximately 150 feet will be needed for the new location project construction. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level III) 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.