Archaeological Assessment of Project MLP-87(43), Bleckley County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991, project MLP-87(43), Bleckley County 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 MLP-87(43) involves the widening and reconstruction of US 23/SR 87 just southeast of the city of Cochran. The project would begin approximately 152 .4 m (500 ft) north of the intersection of SR 257 in the city of Frazier and would end at the Cochran Bypass. Existing right -of-way is approximately 30.5 m (100 ft). Additional required right - of-way would vary from approximately 18.3 m (60 ft) to 30.5 m (100 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted for 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 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.