Archaeological Assessment of Project BRZLB-157(4), Jackson County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BRZLB-157(4), Jackson 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 project corridor.

Project BRZLB-157(4) proposes the construction of a bridge culvert and approaches on County Road 86 over Crooked Creek. The construction of the approaches requires additional right-of-way, 10 feet wide, along the western edge of the existing right-of-way. Total project length is 575 feet with a width of 70 feet. The survey was performed along the newly acquired right-of-way along the entire length, including an additional 100' long x 40' wide area of new right-of-way for an easement for channel construction.

An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with GDOT Archaeological 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 methodology approaches to archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

No significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. 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.