Archaeological Assessment of Project EDS-545 (47), Wilkes County

The proposed project would widen and, reconstruct SR 17 in Wilkes County, beginning south of Tignall at milpost 14.48 and continuing north to milepost 16.71, and also north of Tignall at milepost 23.88 and continuing north to an end point at milepost 26.28. The total length of the proposed project is approximately 7.45 kilometers (4.63 miles). The existing right-of-way is 31 meters (100 feet), while the proposed required right-of-way will vary from 21 meters to 45 meters (70 feet to 150 feet). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description 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 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.