Archaeological Assessment of Project PEERP-M003-00(370), Gilmer County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project PEERP-M003-00(370), Gilmer 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 would repair and stabilize the existing wall on the west side of SR 282 between SR 282 and the Cartecay River (or at MP 12.85) in Gilmer County. The wall repair/stabilization can be implemented with slope repair or actual wall repair for an approximate length of 200 feet within the existing right-of-way on SR 282. The existing right-of-way on SR 282 is approximately 100 feet; no additional right-of-way or easements are required for project implementation. The area of potential effect (SR 282 existing right-of-way) for the proposed project has been subjected to previous archaeological surveys by Teresa Paglione [1992 under project RS-1360(8)] and Eric Duff [1997 under project STP-191-1(13)]; each of these surveys were concurred with by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Officer. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was not warranted based on the results of the surveys noted above (see attachments). 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 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.