Archaeological Reassessment of Projects NH-75-1(206), Cook and Tift Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects NH-75-1(205)(206) in Cook and Tift 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 proposed projects' area of potential environmental effect. The proposed projects would widen 1-75 from two northbound and southbound lanes to four lanes in Cook and Tift Counties, Georgia. The proposed projects would begin at SR 37 in Cook County and would continue northerly to an end point at CR 204 in Tift County. All project construction will be restricted to within the 1-75 existing right-of-way. The project was originally surveyed and cleared by GDOT archaeologist Eric Anthony Duff in 1999; subsequent SHPO concurrence was received soon thereafter. Since that time the proposed projects have changed to include the following overpass bridge replacements: Unit (205) at West Mitchell Street; Springhill Road; and Guy Henry Road; Unit (206) at Darden Road; Adcock Road; and Oak Ridge Road. Existing right-of-way for these roads and 1-75 in the area of the design changes is approximately 100 to 180 feet, while the additional required right-of-way would be a maximum of 200 feet. No archaeological sites were located in reference to this reassessment. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along 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.