Archaeological Assessment of Project PR-285 (159), Jasper County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991, project PR-285(159), Jasper 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. Project PR-285 (159) involves the leveling and resurfacing of CR 285 in Jasper County. The project would begin at the intersection of SR 11 (MP 0.00) and would end at the Newton County Line (MP 2.75). All work would be confined to the area of the existing pavement. No additional right-of-way would be required for completion of this project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) 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 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.