Archaeological Assessment of Project TSAP-26(148) Bleckley County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991, project TSAP-26(148), Bleckley 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. Project TSAP-26(148) involves the construction of deceleration/acceleration turn lanes on SR 26 just north of the city of Cochran. The project would begin approximately 88.4 m (290 ft) north of CR 242 and would end approximately 161.5 m (530 ft) north of the new Bleckley County Elementary School. Existing right-of-way is approximately 30.5 m (100 ft). Additional required right-of-way would vary from approximately 3.05 m (10ft) to 6.1 m (20 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted for the entire project corridor. 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 Section 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 proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.