A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for Two Stormwater Improvement Projects, NO-13 (Boulevard) and BR-11 (Plaza/Cobb Street), Clarke County, Georgia

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is designated to receive funding for two stormwater improvement projects, NO-13 (Boulevard) andBR-11 (Plaza/Cobb Street); as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Because federal funding will be used for portions of these projects, a cultural resources survey was undertaken to ensure that Athens-Clarke County is in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of1966 (as amended). Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act states that agencies who receive federal funding must take into account what effect their project may have on significant cultural resources (archeological sites and historic buildings or structures). At the request of Athens-Clarke County, the cultural resources survey focused only on those portions receiving federal funding and not the remainder of the two projects. Of particular note.is that both projects are located within recognized historic districts that listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

For the NO-13 Boulevard project, located in the Boulevard Historic District, federal funding will be provided for stream bank stabilization work at the outfall of an existing storm sewer. As part of this project, a rip-rapped outlet basin will be constructed at the outflow. The-total area, including the basin and adjacent construction easements, is 8963 square feet (0.2 ac).

For the BR-11 Plaza/Cobb Street project, in the Cobbham Historic District, federal funding will provide for the construction of a bioretention pond, located on Georgia Power Corporation property between Prince A venue and Cobb Street. The bioretention pond will be constructed on a vacant lot adjacent to a Georgia Power parking lot, and will handle runoff from that parking lot. Based on current plans, the retention pond will measure approximately 120 feet long, 60 feet wide, and five feet deep. The pond will drain into a proposed new storm sewer that will be constructed along Cobb Street and the Plaza.