Archaeological Assessment of Project FR-065-3(39), Hall County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project FR-065-3(39), Ball 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.

Project FR-065-3(39), Hall County, is the proposed widening and reconstruction of SR 53/Winder Highway from the intersection with SR 13 to approximately .5 mile south of SR 211, near Road Atlanta (raceway). The widening would shift from east to west to minimize impacts to properties. The existing right of way varies form 100 to 110 feet; an additional 40 to 50 feet would be required. The project length is an estimated 6.0 miles. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right of way 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.