Archaeological Assessment of Project STPN-042-2 (41), Laurens County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STPN-042-2(41), Laurens 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 reconstruct and widen US 441/SR 2 in Dublin. The proposed projects would begin at the intersection of Northview Avenue then would extend northwesterly along existing US 441 /SR 29 to a point approximately 274.3 m (900 ft) north on the intersection of Terrace Drive. As part of the proposed projects the bridge over Hunger and Hardship Creek would be widened symmetrically. Existing right-of-way varies from 18 m to 45 m (60 to 150 ft), while additional right-of-way will vary from 1.5 to 16.8 m (5 to 55 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project's rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 2.5 km (1.55 mi) project corridor. 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 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.