Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-033-3(51), Hart County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-033-3(51), Hart 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. The proposed project would provide an additional lane to accommodate left turns on SR 8/US 29 at its intersection with Hart Industrial Park and Golf Course Road. The project would begin approximately 310.8 meters (1020 feet) northeast and end approximately 341.3 meters (1120 feet) southwest from the above intersection. Existing right-of-way on SR 8/US 29 is approximately 18.3 meters (60 feet). A maximum of 22.9 meters (75 feet) of additional required right-of-way will be utilized on the west side of SR 8/US 29. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) 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.