Archaeological Assessment of Project EDS-84(21), Thomas County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project EDS-84(21), Thomas 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 area.

The proposed project consists of the widening of US 84 from CR 392 easterly to the US 84/US 319 intersection north of Thomasville, Georgia. The total proposed project length is approximately 5.24 miles. Existing right-of-way varies from 175 feet to 200 feet. No additional right-of-way is required. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted 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 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.