Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-012-1(112), Cherokee County

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document: "In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-012-1(112), Cherokee County has been surveyed with respect to archaeological 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 archaeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. Project STP-012-1(112) would consist of the improvement of the existing intersection of SR 20 and SR 108 in Cherokee County, Georgia. The project would relocate White Road approximately 750 north, forming a "T" intersection with SR 108. The project would also relocate Mt. Carmel Church Lane approximately 150 feet north to form a "T" intersection with SR 108 and to align with the relocated White Road. The existing rights-of-way for White Road and Mt. Carmel Church Lane are approximately 50 feet. The new location proposed right-of-way for White Road varies with a maximum width of 350 feet (175 feet on either side of the center line). The new location proposed right-of-way for Mt. Carmel Church Lane varies with a maximum width of 360 feet (180 feet on either side of the center line). The existing rights-of-way for SR 20 and SR 108 are 100 feet. The required right-of-way for SR 20 varies with a maximum of an additional 275 feet. The required right-of-way for SR 108 varies with an additional 250 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. 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.