Archaeological Survey of Project BR-0002-00(842), Candler County

Archeological Survey of Project BR-0002-00(842), Candler County: In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BR-0002-00(842), Candler 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. This project involves the replacement of two bridges along CR 223/Portal Highway over Big Branch and Lotts Creek in Candler County, Georgia. Initially the project proposed to replace both bridges on new alignment on the western side of the existing bridge. Revised plans moved the construction back to the existing alignment and extended the project length from 0.78 to 0.79 mile. Maximum new required rightof-way is 50 ft. 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. 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 archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.