Archaeological Assessment of Project TSAP-57, Wilkinson 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 TSAP-57, Wilkinson 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 TSAP-57 involves the widening of SR 57 at the intersection of CR 76 in Wilkinson County. The existing two lane road would be widened to a three-lane left turn section with a deceleration lane. Additionally, CR 76 would be paved and reconstructed to enter SR 57 at a 90-degree angle. Existing right-of-way varies from approximately 15.2 m (50 ft) to approximately 30.5 m (100 ft). The additional required right-of-way varies from approximately 3. 0 m (10 ft) to approximately 15.2 m (50 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed right-of-way was conducted f o r 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 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.