Archaeological Assessment of Project FR-004-3(31), Richmond County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project FR-004-3(31), Richmond 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 project corridor.

The proposed project would widen and reconstruct Gordon Highway/US 78/SR 10 from Powell Road to Noland Connector Road, just west of the I-520 interchange. Milledgeville Road would be relocated east of its present location. The total project length is approximately 2.8 miles. Existing right-of-way varies from 100 to 150 feet; the required right-of-way varies from 100 to 150 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the project corridor.

The 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 archaeological resources were located within the proposed 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.