Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-880(1), Habersham/Rabun Counties

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-880(I), Habersham/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.

The proposed project would consist of the leveling and resurfacing of SR 197 in Habersham and Rabun Counties. The proposed project would begin at the intersection of SR 385 (MP 4.64) and would end at the Intersection of SR 2 (MP 8.13). Also included in the proposed project would be the paving of Approximately 0.6 m (2ft) of the existing shoulders of the roadway. All construction would be limited to the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire 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 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."’’