Archaeological Assessment of Project FR-066-1(23), Bleckley County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project FR-066-1(23), Bleckley County has been surveyed with respect to archaeo1ogica1 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 corridor. Proposed project will add two passing lanes to S.R. 87/112 and U.S. 23/129 Alternate northwest of Cochran. Both northbound and southbound passing lanes will extend from a point just southeast of Evergreen Creek to a point south of C.R. 166. Approximately 20 feet of new right-of-way will be required. A survey consistent with the proposed 2.4 mile long project corridor was surveyed.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT Archaeological 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 significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project would have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.