Archaeological Assessment of NH-20-2 (171), Greene/Taliaferro Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, NH-20-2 (171), Greene/Taliaferro Counties 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 consists of concrete rehabilitation of I-20./SR 402 through Greene and Taliaferro Counties. The project would begin at the end of the ramps at Exit 153 (SR 44) and would end at the end of the ramps at Exit #55 (SR 22) . The rehabilitation would involve removal and replacement of all concrete slabs along the project length on both the eastbound and westbound lanes that do not meet current design criteria. Also included in this project would be the sealing of the joints between the concrete slabs and the rehabing of the existing inside and out side asphalt shoulders t o meet current quality standards. All work would be confined to the existing pavement. No additional right-of-way would be required for completion of the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire 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.