Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-56-2(20), Pickens/Gilmer/Fannin Counties

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-56-2(20), Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin 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 shoulder pavement construction on SR 515 in Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin Counties. The project begins at CR 300 in Pickens County and continues northeasterly to an end point at the Union County line for a total of 70.6 kilometers (43.9 miles). All construction is limited to the existing pavement and shoulders on SR 515. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for 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 Division 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."