Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-065-3(58), Dawson County

In compliance with Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-065-3(58) in Dawson 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.

Proposed project STP-065-3(58) in Dawson County proposes improvements to the intersection of SR 53 (Gainesville Highway) and County Roads 195 (Blue Ridge Overlook) and 218 (War Hill Park Road). SR 53 would be widened 6 feet for the addition of a left tum lane and an additional 12 feet for a right tum lane. County Roads 195 and 218 would also be widened 6 feet to provide for left tum lanes. Existing right-of­way on the approaches to the intersection varies from 60 to 80 feet and an additional 5 to 20 feet of right­of-way would be required for the completion for this project.

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.