Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-002-1(60), Jeff Davis/Appling Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-002-1(60), Jeff Davis/ Appling 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project would consist of the paving of approximately 0.6 m (2ft left and right) of the existing shoulders on a section of SR 19. The project would begin at the Appling County line and end at the existing curb and gutter at Jarmin Street in the city of Hazlehurst. An additional section of shoulder paving is proposed on SR 135 Connector beginning at the intersection of SR 19 and ending at the curb and gutter section at the intersection of SR 19 Bus in the city of Hazlehurst. All construction will be limited to the existing shoulders. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire approximately 18.83 km (11.70 mi) 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.