Archaeological Assessment of Project NH-00TS(45), Hall County

In compliance with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto. project NH-00TS(45), Hall 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 consists of expansion of the NAVIGATOR system to provide for closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage of problem areas in and around the City of Gainesville in Hall County, with cameras placed along I-985 as well as SR 369 and US 129. The CCTV cameras will be used in conjunction with the existing Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to warn motorists of potential hazards. All work will be done within the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level 1) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA 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.