Archaeological Assessment of Project DPI-0010(001)CT-33(A), Fulton County

An archaeological survey (Level I) 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. The archaeological survey was limited due to the complete urbanization of the project area. The ground surface of the project corridor is totally obscured by coficrete sidewalks and asphalt streets, precluding subsurface testing. Examination of historic maps indicate that the project, area has experienced a shift from domestic residential/commercial use to the present urban commercial/legislative development. Background research suggests that a very low probability exists for significant prehistoric sites to have survived the intensive disturbance and development in the project area. The area of downtown Atlanta in which the fiber optic cable will be placed is the oldest part of the City of Atlanta. Therefore, given the general history of the downtown Atlanta area and the high probability that archaeological sites relating to intact street railway system lines (trolley-tracks) will be located, archaeological monitoring of the construction project will be conducted. A Special Provision for the construction contract will be submitted in accordance with 36 CFR 800.11(a) Planning for Discovery. The contract stipulation will ensure that a staff archaeologist with the Georgia Department of Transportation will monitor all land disturbing activities including but not limited to excavation and drilling within the project's area of potential environmental effect. The monitoring will include the recovery, recording, and reporting of all subsurface archaeological features or artifact concentrations located. If any such features or concentrations are located during monitoring, land disturbing activity will be halted to provide a sufficient time for the Department archaeologist, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, to evaluate their significance by applying National Register criteria, and allowing their proper excavation and recovery.