Archaeological Assessment of Project BRZLB-137(8), Habersham County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the project 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.

Construction plans indicate that this bridge replacement project will require the existing 60 ft. of right of way up to 360 ft. west and up to 280 ft. east of the existing bridge on CR 226. An additional 30 ft. of right of way will be required south of existing right of way, with 70 additional feet required directly downstream of existing bridge. Construction easements are also required; 40 ft. north existing right of way and 30 ft. south of the required right of way downstream, of the bridge.

An archaeological survey 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.

No existing or eligible National Register archaeological 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.