Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-076-1(28), Columbia County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-076-1(28), Columbia 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 proposed project's area of potential environmental. effect. STP-076-1(28) proposes the construction of a southbound passing lane on SR 47 from MP 2.45 to MP 3.88. Existing right-of-way varies from 100 to 150 feet and an additional 10 to 20 feet of right-of-way will be required along the corridor. This project was originally surveyed by James Pomfret of GDOT in 2001 and included a 100 foot wide temporary detour on the west side of SR 47 for approximately 2,655 feet. No existing or eligible National Register resources were located within the project's area of potential effect during that survey. This project has been revised to allow an off-site detour to be used during construction activities, thereby reducing the area of potential effect. This project also has been changed to include variable lengths of easement for construction and maintenance of slopes and construction of drives outside of the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project revisions was conducted along the 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 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.