Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-058-1(26), Towns/Rabun Counties

"In compliance with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project STP-058-1 (26), Towns/Rabun Counties, 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. Project STP-058-1(26), Towns/Rabun Counties, proposes to place 0.61 m (2.0 ft.) wide shoulders on the left and right side of SR 2 in Towns and Rabun Counties. The project begins at SR 515 in Towns County and extends 48.15 km (29.92 mi.) to just east of Hiawassee Street in Rabun County. All work would be done within existing right of way. An archaeological survey (Level 2) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register 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."