Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Blakely-Early Industrial Park, Early County, Georgia

The Early County Development Authority proposes improvements to a 7. 7 -hectare (19-acre) lot, as part of a Blakely-Early County Industrial Park planned for the area immediately northeast of Blakely, Georgia. The improvements would include construction of a warehouse with associated driveway, parking, and shipping/receiving area. In anticipation of receiving Federal development funds, Early County authorities requested that Southeastern Archeological Services (SAS) conduct an intensive survey of cultural resources (archeological sites), including archival and field research. A review of the Georgia Archaeological Site Files showed no sites had been recorded in the project area, but that some poorly documented sites were recorded nearby. Early fo mid-twentieth century maps and aerial photographs showed no structures within or adjacent to the project area. The area of potential effect was archeologically surveyed on August 24, 2003. Shovel testing and surface collection revealed one archeological site, a sparse to moderately dense scatter of prehistoric chipped stone artifacts recorded as site 9ER201. Two isolated occurrences of chipped stone artifacts were also recorded nearby. Due to the lack of diagnostic artifacts recovered from the site, its generally low artifact density, and its lack of distinction among chipped stone artifact scatters, the site appears to lack significant archeological deposits that would bear profitable research. For this reason, we recommend the site is not eligible for the National Register ofHistoric Places (NRHP) and that the proposed improvements would not cause any adverse effects to significant archeological resources. Notwithstanding other considerations, we suggest the project be allowed to proceed as planned.