Archaeological Assessment of Projects FR-002-6(48), BHF-002-6(49) & (50), Hall County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Ac t of 1966 and amendments thereto, Projects FR- 002- 6(48), and BHF-002-6 (~9) and (50), Hall County, have been surveyed with respect to archaeological & resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify, evaluate the significance of any archaeological resources within the projects’ corridors. The proposed projects consist of the widening and reconstruction of SR 11 / US 129 from Limestone Road north to approximately 2100 feet north of Nopone Road. Widening would be primarily on the west side, with shifts to the east at the bridges and elsewhere to avoid property damage. The intersection of Tapawingo Drive, located just north of Limes tone Road, would be relocated approximately 300 feet to the north. Approximately 600 feet of new location would be required to straighten a curve in the existing roadway between Indian Trail and Caspar Drive . Total project length would be 5.4 miles. Under Project BHF- 002- 6(49), the existing bridge over the Chattahoochee River (Lake Lanier) would be widened and a parallel bridge would be constructed to the east. Project BHF- 002- 6(50) consists of the widening of the existing bridge and the construction of a parallel bridge over the Little River, also on the east side. The existing right - of- way varies from 100 feet to 265 feet; required additional right-of-way varies from 22 feet to 140 feet on the new location section.

An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed corridors. Exclusive of the U.S. Government property, was conducted. Telephone conservations with Staff Archaeologists, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, indicate a previous cultural resource survey on the federally-owned land failed to locate any significant cultural resources.

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 methological approaches to archaeological surveys base on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed corridors as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the projects would not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the projects conform to that described above . "