Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-0578(6), Emanuel/Johnson/Jefferson Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project STP-0578(6), Emanuel/Johnson/Jefferson 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. Project STP-0578(6), Emanuel/Johnson/Jefferson Counties, proposes to add 0.61 m (2 ft.) asphalt shoulders to each side of State Route 171. The proposed work would begin at the intersection of State Route 171 and County Road 159 in Emanuel County and proceed in a northerly direction to end at the State Route 171 /State Route 78/US 319 intersections just south of Bartow in Jefferson County. The total length of this proposed project would be 38.74 km (24.07 mi.). All work would be accomplished within the existing right-of-way and no additional right of way is required. 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 Division 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register 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.