Archaeological Reevaluation of Project MLP-316(9), Oconee County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project MLP-316(9), Oconee 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.

The proposed project would construct an interchange on SR 316 at Jimmy Daniels Road in Oconee County. The existing right of way is 100 feet. Originally an additional 300 feet of right of way was required and the project length was 600 feet. The reevaluation survey was to look at an additional 200-800 feet of right of way in the north-west quadrant of the project area. The additional right of way begins at Jimmy Daniels Road and extends westerly for approximately 2400 feet.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No existing or eligible National Register 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.