Phase I Archaeological Resources Survey, City of Vienna Sidewalk Installation, Dooly County, Georgia

R.S. Webb & Associates (RSWA) conducted a Phase I archeological resources survey on the proposed City of Vienna Sidewalk Installation project. The proposed project includes the installation of sidewalks on both sides of Georgia Highway (Hwy) 90 from 2nd Street to the Georgia Hwy 27 intersection within Vienna, Dooly County. Sidewalks will be constructed within the existing 60‑foot right‑of‑ way of Hwy 90; the right‑of‑way will neither increase nor decrease with the development of the sidewalks.

The area of potential effects (APE) for this project includes the existing right‑of‑way on both sides (north and south) of Hwy 90 from 2nd Street, west to the Hwy 27 intersection and 100 feet beyond each side of the existing right‑of‑way. In total, the study corridor for this project is approximately 0.94 miles long and 260 feet wide.

The Phase I archeological resources survey included a literature review and intensive field survey. During the literature review, state and county records, maps, and documents were examined to determine if previously recorded archeological sites are located in or around the project area. The field survey was conducted using surface inspection and shovel testing at 15 to 30 meter (m) intervals.

Literature Review: Five archeological sites have been recorded within 1.0 kilometer of the project APE, but none are within or adjacent to the APE. No previous studies intersect with or are adjacent to the project APE. Early 20th century maps indicate that Hwy 90 had not been built yet and there was little development in the project corridor beyond the eastern terminus (within the downtown area). According to the 1937 aerial photograph and the 1939 Dooly County Highway Map, Hwy 90 had been constructed by that time. By the middle 20th century, development was spreading westward along the route.

Field Survey: Shovel testing and surface inspection of the project area indicate that the majority of the area has been disturbed by construction and/or cultivation. No sites were found within the existing right‑of‑way which will encompass the sidewalk installation. Two archeological resources were identified within the 100‑foot area beyond the existing right‑of‑way: Site 9DY 43, a low density, Late Archaic and Woodland/Mississippian lithic scatter; and 9DY 44, an early to late 20th century artifact scatter with a minor unknown prehistoric component. Site 9DY 43 is recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP. Since Site 9DY 43 does not extend into the existing right‑of‑way that will be impacted by sidewalk installation, the proposed work will pose no effect on this resource. Site 9DY 44 has unknown eligibility because the site may extend beyond the project corridor. The portion of 9DY 44 within the project corridor does not appear to meet NRHP eligibility criteria.

Preparation and construction of the City of Vienna sidewalk along Hwy 90 will have no adverse effect on archeological resources eligible or potentially eligible for listing on the NRHP. Clearance is recommended for this undertaking.