Archaeological Reevaluation of Project EDS-545(54), Wilkes/Elbert Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project EDS-545(54), Wilkes/Elbert Counties, has been surveyed with respect to archaeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Preservation (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 proposed project is one unit of a 41 mile road improvement project between Thomson and Elberton on SR 17. This reevaluation was concerned with the realignment of the Bells Ferry Road/US 17 intersection. Two sediment basins on the south side of the Broad River were also surveyed. All project changes were surveyed for cultural resources.

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 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.