Archaeological Assessment of Project TSAP-17(145), Habersham County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments t hereto , and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991 , project TSAP- 17(145) , Habersham County has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources , especially those on or eligible f or 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 grading, drainage, base and paving to widen SR 17 to create a t wo-way left turn lane. The existing right-of-way is 100 feet. The construction will vary to the right-of-way. The proposed project will begin at the GDOT Clarkesville Area Office and end at the County Maintenance Headquarters and County Fair Ground for a total project length of 0.30 miles. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of - way was conducted for the entire length of the 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 pro jects 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.”