Archaeological Assessment of Project FR-026-2(70), Dougherty County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project FR-026-2, Dougherty 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 project corridor. Proposed project will reconstruct U.S. 82 beginning at Wright Drive to a point approximately 1800 feet east of Mock Road. Within the reconstruction area, two lanes will be maintained westbound with an auxiliary lane between existing Cordele Road and Broad Street. Eastbound, three 1anes are proposed from the Wright Drive area to Mock Road. From Mock Road to the end of the reconstruction, two through lanes are proposed. A double left-turn lane will be provided to relocate Johnson Road. Johnson Road wil1 be relocated on new alignment and will cross U.S. 82 approximately 1200 feet east of Mock Road and tie into Cordele Road. Existing Johnson Road will be closed at the existing five points intersection with a cul-de-sac provided. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire project 1ength. 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 methodo1ogica1 approaches to archaeo1ogica1 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.