Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-114-2(14), Stephens County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-114-2(14), Stephens 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 STP-114-2(14) consists of the leveling, resurfacing, and shoulder correction of SR 365 in Stephens County. The proposed project on SR 365 would begin at SR 184 then continue northeasterly to an end point at the South Carolina / Georgia State line. The existing right-of-way on SR 365 varies from approximately 18.2 to 60.9 meters (60 to 200 feet). All project construction will be restricted to within the SR 365 existing right-o f -way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description conducted for the entire 11.57 kilometer (7.19 mile) 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 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.