Archaeological Survey opf Project CSSTP-0009-00(164), 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 CSSTP-0009-00(164), 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 (APE). This proposed project would construct a truck climbing lane and improve intersections along SR 20. The project would begin approximately 1800 feet east of 1-575 and end approximately 200 feet west of Big Oak Drive. Existing right-of-way on SR 20 is 100 feet and an additional 0-120 feet would be required on the north side and 0-90 feet on the south side. Intersection improvements are proposed at Old Doss Drive, Brooke Park Drive, Key Drive, Big Oak Drive, Weaver Circle, and Scott Road. Additional required right-of-way for side roads would vary from 30-165 feet. This APE has been previously surveyed by GDOT under project STP-012-1(107) and concurred with by SHPO in letters dated March 9, 2001 and October 4, 2002. A second reevaluation was also conducted on July 14, 2008 and a letter was sent to SHPO. The APE for project CSSTP-0009-00(164) is Site 1 climbing lane from project STP-012-1(107). 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. By agreement, because no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office 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.