Assessment of Projects PR-223(091) & PR-139(309) Dodge and Wheeler Counties

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA), projects PR-223(091) & PR-139(309) Dodge and Wheeler Counties have 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 project area. The proposed project would consist of the grading, drainage and surfacing of Long Bridge Road, CR 223 in Dodge County and CR 139 in Wheeler County. The project would begin at the intersection with CR 275/Jay Bird Spring Road to the north and extend to CR 180 to the south, a total of 1.66 miles. An 80 feet right-of-way would be required. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHVA 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. "