Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-M000-00(137), Hancock County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-M000-00(137) Hancock 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. The proposed project would consist of constructing 2 ft paved shoulders along SR 16 in Hancock County, from MP 12.94 to MP 24.27. The proposed project would begin at the SR 16/Hamilton Street intersection in Sparta and proceed east to the Warren County line at Jewels Mill. All construction would be limited to the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire 11.33 mile length of the project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A 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 lo 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."