Archaeological Assessment of Projects EDS-35(26), (27), and (28), Thomas/Colquitt Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects EDS-35(26),(27), and (28), Thomas/Colquitt Counties have 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 projects would widen SR 35/US 319 beginning at CR 167 in Thomas County and extending north for approximately 19.26 miles to the SR 35/SR 133 intersection in Colquitt County. The proposed widening would be symmetrical throughout the corridor. There is 100 feet of existing right-of-way along the route. The required additional rights-of-way will vary from 0 to 70 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way 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 projects' area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the projects will have no effect upon archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the projects conform to that described above.