Archaeological Assessment of Project IR-20-2 (129) Mcduffie County, Georgia

“In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project IR-20-2(129), McDuffie 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.

This project is the proposed widening of the SR 17 bridge over I-20 north of Thomson. The proposed project would widen the existing 28 foot by 265 foot two-lane facility to a 95-foot wide six lane structure. All work would be confined to the area between the existing ramp terminals located north

and south of the bridge. No additional right-of-way would be required. An archaeological survey consistent with the entire proposed corridor was conducted.

An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT Archaeological survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologists in consultation with the DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred in by the Federal Highway Administration and the State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archaeological surveys based on 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 project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project would not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above."