Archaeological Assessment of Project SAMA-43BY(1), Lincoln County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project SAMA-43BY(1), Lincoln 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 consists of the plant mix resurfacing of SR 43 Bypass northeast of Lincolnton. The proposed project would begin at SR 47 then continue northeasterly to an end point at SR 43 (Milepost .95). The project does not leave the confines of the existing pavement width. No additional pavement or shoulder widnening is included in the project construction. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights of way was conducted for the entire 1.52 kilometer (.95 mile) project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level I) 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.