Archaeological Assessment of Project NH-IM-75-2(157), Henry Co.

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NH-IM-75-2(157), Henry 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. The proposed project would widen and reconstruct SR 20/SR 81 over Interstate 75 southwest of McDonough. The project would include replacing the existing bridge over I-75, adding lanes to the southbound exit and northbound entrance ramps for I-75, and realigning two side road locations. The proposed project would begin on SR 20/SR 81 approximately 579 meters (1900 feet) west and end approximately 731 meters (2400 feet) east of I-75. SR 81 would be realigned to intersect with SR 20 across from the NEC driveway approximately 95 meters (312 feet) south of the existing SR 20/SR 81 intersection. Industrial Boulevard would be realigned to intersect with SR 20/SR 81 across from Willow Lane approximately 129 meters (425 feet) north of the existing intersection of Industrial Boulevard and SR 20/SR 81. The existing right-of-way on SR 20/SR 81 varies from approximately 24 to 40 meters (80 to 130 feet). A minimum of 37 meters (120 feet) of proposed required right-of-way would be needed for construction of the project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 1.3 kilometer (0. 81 mile) 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.