Archaeological Assessment of Project of MLP-45(31), Terrell County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project MLP-45(31), Terrell County has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resoruces, 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 consists of an intersection improvement at SR 45/50/U.S. 82 and SR 520/Corridor Z in Dawson, Georgia. The Proposed intersection improvement would widened SR 45 to a 3.6 m (12 ft.) wide eastbound through lane and add a 4 m (14 ft.) wide left turn lane onto SR 520 going north. The westbound lane would be widened to 6.7 m (22 ft.) at the intersection, and would taper down 60 m (200 ft.) to the existing pavement width approximately 91 m (300 ft.) west of SR 520/Corridor Z. The existing right-of-way on SR 45/50/U.S. 82 is approximately 18 m (60 ft.), with additional required right-of-way varying from 0 m to 6 m (0 to 25 ft.). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project’s rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 101 m (334 ft.) project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level 1) 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 survey based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No existing or eligible Natiobnal Register archaeological resources were located within the project’s are 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.