Archaeological Reevaluation of Project STP-174-1(7), Columbia County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-174-1(7), Columbia County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NR.HP). 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.

The proposed project would consist of the widening and reconstruction of SR 232 in Columbia County. The proposed project would begin at Old Belair Road (CR 221) and would extend easterly to an end point at the intersection with Belair Road (SR 383). The existing right-of-way on SR 232 is approximately 150-160 feet. In the original project concept, a maximum of approximately 200 feet of additional required right-of-way was needed for project implementation. This project as defined was surveyed by Eric Duff in 2005. No NRHP eligible properties were located during this survey. A reevaluation investigating the realignment of a portion of North Old Belair Road as it intersects with SR 232 was surveyed by Pamela Johnson in 2008. No NRHP eligible properties were located during this survey. The revised project concept consists of a roadway with two 12-foot lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot flush median with 1 0-foot urban shoulders with curb and gutter and 5-foot sidewalks. This project also includes plans to widen the bridge over Crawford Creek, upgrade a signal at the intersection of SR 232 and SR 383, and install a new signal at the intersection of SR 232 and CR 221. Additional right-of-way will now only include miters at intersections and a new alignment for Shepherd Way, requiring 55 feet of right-of-way from the proposed centerline. This revised project concept actually reflects a reduction in right-of-way required for the project, in that shoulders have been reduced from 16 feet to 10 feet along the project corridor. An archeological survey consistent with these project revisions was performed within the project corridor.

An archeological survey (Level l) 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 agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence from 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.