Archaeologial Assessment of Project FR-004-2(24), Baldwin-Jones Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project FR-004-2(24), Baldwin-Jones Counties 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. The proposed project would add two eastbound passing lanes and one westbound passing lane to S.R. 22 between Gray in Jones County and a point just west of Milledgeville in Baldwin County. An additional 10 feet of right-of-way would be required. Passing Lane No. 1 (eastbound) would begin at M.P. 4.3 and end at M.P. 5.8 in Jones County, a distance of 1.5 miles. Passing Lane No. 2 (eastbound) would begin at M.P. 8.6 in Jones County and end at M.P. 1.65 in Baldwin County, a distance of 1.75 miles. Passing Lane No. 3 (westbound) would begin at M. P. 2.12 and end at M.P. 3.87 in Baldwin County, a distance of 1.73 miles. A survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed 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 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.