Archaeological Assessment of Project NH-066-1(31) Bleckley/Twiggs Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NH- 066-1(31), Bleckley-Twiggs Counties 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 area. The proposed project consists of the widening of US 23/ SR 87 beginning at SR 112 in Bleckley County and ending at SR 96 in Twiggs County. The existing right-of-way is approximately 30.48 meters (100 feet) throughout the project corridor. Approximately 15.24 meters (50 feet) of additional right- of-way is required for the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right- of-way was conducted along the entire 12.80-kilometer (8.0 mile) project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHVA 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.