Assessment of Effects SR 17 Widening and Reconstruction Jefferson, Warren, and McDuffie Counties, Georgia

This document has been prepared for use in completion of applicable Section 106 procedures in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and subsequent amendments. The survey and documentation have been developed in accordance with the GDOT/FHWAIGA SHPO Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines and 36 CFR Part 800. As such, this document assesses the effects to cultural resources identified within the area of potential effect of projects EDS-545(49) and EDS-545(43), in Jefferson, Warren and McDuffie Counties. The alignment for the proposed projects was developed by GDOT engineering personnel who, as a standard procedure, include environmental parameters as a part of the initial investigation prior to laying out a proposed alignment. Basic data included, at a minimum, aerial photography, topography maps, traffic (existing and projected), previous studies, wetland inventory maps, soil survey maps, flood plain maps, and Department of Natural Resources' historic resource survey maps. Wetland or hydraulic soil boundaries, flood plains, parks and recreational facilities, known or suspected historical and archaeological sites, existing rights-of-way, possible endangered species habitat were delineated on the aerial photography prior to laying out an alignment. Also identified on the aerial photography are other "controls" such as churches, cemeteries, schools, hospitals, and any other noise sensitive areas. Only at this point was the proposed alignment developed with every attempt being made to avoid sensitive ecological, historic and archaeological areas. In the event that avoidance was not possible, every attempt was made to minimize harm to such resources. The proposed alignment, once laid out on aerial photography, was then field checked and additional refinements were made to further minimize harm to both the natural and built environment.