Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-9252(6) & STP-9250(1), Fulton & Cobb Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-9252(6) & project STP-9250(1), Fulton and Cobb Counties, have 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 projects' area of potential environmental effect. STP-9252(6) proposes to widen and improve approximately 1.24 miles of Johnson Ferry Road in Cobb and Fulton Counties from Columns Drive to Abernathy Road and includes the widening of the bridge spanning the Chattahoochee River. STP-9250(1) proposes the widening and improvement of approximately 0.93 mile along Abernathy Road in Fulton County from Johnson Ferry Road to Roswell Road. The proposed right-of-way on Johnson Ferry and Abernathy Road would vary from 100 to 116 feet. This project was originally surveyed in June and July 2002 by Thomas J. Pluckhahn of Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. Since that time the project has been changed to include variable lengths of easement for construction and maintenance of slopes, for drainage, for the removal of structures, and for other construction activities. These revisions were surveyed by Pamela Johnson of the Department and were reported in correspondence dated February 1, 2007. At this time, approximately 0.28 acre of additional right-of-way on one parcel located north of Johnson Ferry Road and east of the Chattahoochee River is required for the design and construction of a detention pond. An archeological survey consistent with this project revision 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 agreement, 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.