Archaeological Assessment of STP-4801(2), Stephens County

"In compliance with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-480 I (2) in Stephens 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect.

Project STP-4801(2) is located adjacent to the east and south of the Toccoa-R.G. LeTourneau Field Airport. This project would relocate Tugalo Road further east and south to permit a runway extension at the airport. The intersection of Tugalo Road and Stonewall Road would be shifted to the east approximately 400 feet. Lovers Lane would be relocated approximately 700 feet south of the present intersection with Tugalo Road. The total project length would be 1.05 miles. Right-of-way purchase would not be required, as the airport owns the property needed for the runway extension and road relocations.

An archaeological survey (Level II) 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No existing or eligible National Register 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."