Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-014-1(62), Oglethorpe and Wilkes Counties

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document: "In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-014-1(62), Oglethorpe and Wilkes Counties, 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 consist of construction of passing lanes along US 78/SR 10 in Oglethorpe and Wilkes Counties. The project begins at M.P. 13.7, with lane #1 westbound terminating at M.P. 15.0. Lane #2 eastbound begins at M.P. 15.30, ending at M.P. 16.7, both in Oglethorpe County. Lane #3 eastbound would extend from M.P. 0.0 to M.P. 1.5 in Wilkes County, while lane #4 eastbound would extend from M.P. 5.5 to M.P. 7.0 in Wilkes County. Total project length is approximately 6.20 miles. Existing right-ofway along US 78/SR 10 is 100 feet. Additional required right-of-way varies from 20-50 feet. The project has since been changed to include an additional easement along passing lane #1 varying from 60-95 feet in width from the required right-of-way on the east side of US 78/SR 10. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed changes was conducted for the entire length of the 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 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 reassessment portion of 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 reassessment conforms to that described above".