Archaeological Reevaluation of Project BR-000-00(679), Chattooga County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991, project BR-000-00(679), Chattooga 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 replace the bridge on CR 322/Old Highway 337 over Chelsea Creek in Chattooga County, Georgia. The project would begin approximately 500 feet south of Chelsea Creek and end approximately 700 north of Chelsea Creek. The existing right-of-way is 60 feet and additional right-of-way of 20-90 feet would be required on both sides of the road along the corridor. This reevaluation was concerned with the addition of a minor amount of right-of-way, mainly on the northeast side of the bridge.

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 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.