Archaeological Reassessment of Project NHS-0001-00(579), Habersham and Stephens Counties, HPD#HP001205-002

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NHS-0001-00(579), Habersham and Stephens Counties have 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 NHS-0001-00(579) would consist of reconstruction of median crossovers along SR 365/SR 17/US 23 at various locations in Habersham and Stephens Counties. This project was originally surveyed by Teresa Lotti in December of 2000 (HP001205-002). Since that time the project has been changed to include tum lanes on SR 384. The existing right-of-way for SR 365/SR 17fUS 23 varies with a maximum of 400 feet. No additional right-of-way is required to finish this project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level IT) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A 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.