Archeological Assessment of Project STP-0005-00(832), Thomas County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-0005-00(832), Thomas County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological 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 archeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project would consist of improvements to the SR 188 and CR 124/Rocky Ford Road intersection, located approximately two miles southwest of Coolidge, Georgia. The existing typical section along SR 188 consists of one 12-ft. lane in each direction, 6-ft. grassed shoulders and open ditches. The proposed typical section would consist of one 12-ft. lane in each direction, 10-ft. shoulders (6.5-ft. paved and 3.5-ft. grassed). The existing right-of-way along SR 188 and CR 124/Rocky Ford Road is 80 feet. Proposed right-of-way would vary between 110-ft. to 195-ft. along SR 188; along CR 124/Rocky Ford Road, proposed right-of-way would be 120 feet. Miters up to a maximum of 90-ft. at each quadrant of the intersection would also be required. The proposed project begins approximately 1650-ft. west of the intersection and extends eastward to a point approximately 1600-ft. east of the intersection. Total length of the project would be .615 mile. An archeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer 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 above.