Archaeological Reassessment of Project NH-IM-520-1(15), Richmond County

The Archeological Reassessment of project NH-IM-520-1(15), Richmond County was conducted by the GDOT in December 2005. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NH-IM-520-1(15), Richmond County, has been reassessed 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 project's area of potential environmental effect. This proposed project was originally surveyed with concurrence received in December of 1999 (Gresham 1999). The original project remains the same except for the following: the Marks Church Road alignment has been adjusted to meet a 35mph speed design and to avoid impacts to an historic property. Previously required slope easements were reduced from the historic property. Total project length remains the same. An archeological survey (Level II) 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. No existing or eligible National Register resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.