Archaeological Assessment of FR-164-1(22) and (24), Henry and Clayton Counties.

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects FR-164-1(22), Henry County, and FR-164-1(24) Clayton 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 project corridors. The proposed project would widen and reconstruct SR 138 from I-75 west to Jonesboro. A minimum 160 feet of additional right-of-way would be required to widen the existing two-lane to a divided four-lane highway with a 44 foot depressed median. The required right-of-way varies on either side of the existing roadway. Project FR-164-1(22) begins at the Henry and Clayton County line and extends eastward for approximately 0.80 mile to the SR 138 interchange at I-75. FR-164-1(24) begins at Walt Stephens Road and extends approximately 2.75 miles eastward to the Henry and Clayton County line. An archaeological survey consistent with the project boundaries was conducted. An archaeological survey (Level II) 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 project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.