Archaeological Assessment of Project MLP-234(16), Dougherty County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project MLP-234 (16), 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. Project MLP-234(16) consists of the widening and reconstruction of SR 234 in Dougherty County. The proposed project would begin on SR 234 at Lockett Station Road then continue easterly to an end point at Beattie Road. The existing right-of-way on SR 234 is approximately 30.5 meters (100 feet). All project construction will be restricted to within the SR 234 existing right-of-way with the exception of approximately 2 meters (6. 5 feet) of additional required right-of-way needed for the construction of accel and decel lanes at the major intersections throughout the project corridor. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire length of the 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.