Archaeological Assessment of Project SAMA-60BU(1), Lumpkin County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991, project SAMA-60BU(1), Lumpkin 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. Project SAMA-60BU(l) involves the leveling and resurfacing of 7.72 km (4.80 mi) of SR 60Bus. Also included in the proposed project would be the paving of the existing shoulders of this portion of the roadway. The project would begin at the intersection of SR 60 (MP 0. 00) and would end at the intersection of SR 9 (MP 4.83). No additional right-of-way would be required for the completion of the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted for the entire length of 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 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.