Archaeological Assessment of Project NH-002-6(51), Jackson-Hall Counties

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document: "In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NH-002-6(51), Jackson-Hall 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect . The proposed project would consist of the widening and reconstruction of State Route U from the intersection of SR 11 and SR 332 in Jackson County to the intersection of SR 11 and SR 323 in Hall County for a total distance of approximately 11.91 krn (7.40 mi). The existing right-of-way for SR 11is approximately 30.5 m (100 ft). The required right-of-way would vary from approximately 48.8 to 61.0 m (160 to 200 ft).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 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. No existing or eligible National Register archaeological 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.