Archaeological Assessment of I-985 at Sprout Springs Road, Hall County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project I-985 at Spout Springs Road, in Hall 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.

This project I-985 at Spout Springs Road consists of work to construct a second right turn lane from the I-985 northbound off-ramp onto eastbound Spout Springs Road. The existing right turn lane from westbound Spout Springs Road to I-985 northbound on-ramp will also be lengthened. All work is being accomplished inside of the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project specifications was conducted within the 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.