Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-8016(3), Muscogee County

STP-8016(3) would widen the Talbotton Road/Warm Springs Road in Muscogee County, Georgia. This project was originally surveyed by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in 1996 (HP# HP960513004). Since that time, the project has changed to include U-Turn bays that will require a minor amount of right-of-way. The right-of-way varies with a maximum of 20 additional feet. In addition, Ivey Avenue will be relocated east of its current location to tie into Talbotton Road/Warm Springs Road. The new required right-of-way for Ivey Avenue is approximately 700 feet in length by 300 feet in width. Lastly, easements of various sizes have been added throughout the project corridor adjacent to the rights-of-way. The easement varies in size with' a maximum of 60 feet. The total length of the project is approximately 0.50 of a mile. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire 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 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.