Archaeological Assessment of Project I-20-2(137), Richmond County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Pre­servation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project I-20-2(137), Richmond 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.

The project is the proposed construction of an interchange at Wheeler Road and Interstate 20 near Augusta. The project begins approximately 900 feet south of the I-20 intersection and ends approximately 500 feet north of the Wheeler Road/Flowing Wells Road intersection. The proposed project would widen and reconstruct Wheeler Road, with a new bridge over I-20. The minimum required right-of-way along Wheeler Road is 92 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor.

The archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with 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 proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No archaeological resources were located within the proposed corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological re­sources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.