Archaeological Assessment of STP-1267(6), Oconee County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, STP-1267(6), Oconee 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 consists of the addition of turn lanes at six locations along Mars Hill Road just northeast of the city of Eastville. The project would include the following intersections: Rocky Branch Road/Virgil Langford Road, Hodges Mill Road, Crooked Creek/Pebblestone Road, Windy Creek Road, Burr Harris/Colliers Road, and Cliff Dawson Road. All work would be confined to the existing right-of-way. No additional right-of-way would be required for the completion of the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor.

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.

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.