Archaeolgoical Survey of Project STP-0000-00(759), Lincoln County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-0000-00(759), Lincoln County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological 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 archeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project consists of the relocation of SR 79 along CR 278/Old Petersburg Road from SR 79 to SR 43 northeast of Lincolnton in Lincoln County. The project length is 1.69 miles (see attached location map). Existing right-of-way on CR 278 is approximately 40 ft. In most areas approximately 20-40 ft of new right-of-way is required, except around culverts and in areas of significant grade change where 50 ft will be required or in the area of the horizontal relocation where approximately 140 ft of right-of-way will be required. An archeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. In addition to the land surveyed by GDOT archaeologists a section of right-of-way that belongs to the U.S. Corps of Engineers has already been cleared by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office. Please the attachment for more information on this clearance.