Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-065-2(16), Gordon County

The proposed project would consist of the construction of three passing lanes on SR 53, and a right turn lane for the Sonoraville School. A west bound passing lane will be constructed from MP 14 . 67 to 15.80. An east bound passing lane and a right turn lane will be constructed between MP 15.84 and MP 16.69; and an east bound passing lane will be constructed from MP 18.10 to MP 19.37. The total proposed project length is approximately 5.23 krn (3.25 rni). The existing right-of-way for the proposed project is approximately 30.48 m (100 ft). The additional required right-of-way would be approximately 9.14 m (30 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted for the entire length of the 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 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 potentially eligible National Register archaeological resources were located within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect as described in paragraph two above. 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.".