History Assessment of Project F-069-1(7), Wilkes County

The survey boundary and methodology were established using GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines. These guidelines were established as a result of past interaction with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and her staff and were agreed upon by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the SHPO. The Department of Natural Resources' Wilkes County and Washington City surveys for potential historic resources were consulted in preliminary identification of potentially eligible historic resources. Lists of current and pending National Register properties were checked and aerial photographs along the length of the project were consulted. A field survey for potentially eligible historic resources was also conducted along the project corridor. The West Robert Toombs Historic District, a resource which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 1, 1973, is located in the project's area of potential effect. This district extends westward along West Robert Toombs Avenue from Allison Street to just beyond S.R. 44 and is significant in the areas of architecture and history. The proposed project begins at U.S. 78/S.R. 10 at the intersection of S.R. 44 and proceeds northward on new location to the U.S. 10 Loop, a distance of .6 miles. The southern terminus of this project is located within the West Robert Toombs Historic District and would require land from within its National Register boundary. Destruction, damage, and alteration of part of the district would occur with project implementation and constitute an adverse effect. Because significant architectural components of the district are located adjacent to the project corridor, the proposed project is also anticipated to have an adverse visual effect on the West Robert Toombs Historic District. In compliance with Section 106 procedures, an Assessment of Adverse Effect for the West Robert Toombs Historic District is currently being prepared and will be submitted by FHWA to the SHPO. A consultation between the FHWA and SHPO will be scheduled to discuss project effects upon the resource. Section 106 procedures will be accomplished prior to project implementation. Because project implementation would require use of land from a historic resource, compliance with Section 4(f) of the U.S.D.O.T. Act of 1966 is required.