Archaeological Assessment of Projects FR-005-3 (20) and BHF-005-3 (21)

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, GDOT Projects FR-005-3(20) and BHF-005-3(21), Laurens County, have 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 projects' corridors. The projects propose to widen and reconstruct SR 19/US 80 near Dublin, beginning at CR 526 and extending easterly to Walke Dairy Road. Two bridge culverts, one each over Ford Branch and Sandy Ford Branch, would be extended. The existing right-of-way is 100 feet; the required right-of-way varies from 100 to 140 feet. The total project length is approximately 1.92 miles. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with 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 significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the projects will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.