Archaeological Reevaluation of Project STP-176-1(5), Columbia County HP991007-004

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-176-1(5), 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. The proposed project would construct two passing lanes on SR 47 between 1-20 and Pollard's Corner in Columbia County. Passing lane #1 would consist of symmetrical widening of a 1.68 mile section of SR 47 between 1-20 and Appling. Passing lane #2 would consist of widening a 1.23 mile section of SR 47 between Appling and Pollard's Corner. For both passing lane areas there exists 100 feet of right-of-way. The proposed right-of-way would vary from 130-170 feet. This reevaluation involved the addition of required right-of-way and easements. The new proposed right-of-way would vary from 130-200 feet. Proposed easements would vary from 10-375 feet beyond required right-of-way and include driveway easements and temporary easements needed to fill in banked ponds. 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. By agreement, because no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office is required. 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.