Archaeological Reassessment of Project EDS00-0000-00(346), Baldwin County

Project EDSOO-0000-00(346) would construct the Fall Line Freeway in Baldwin County. This proposed project was subjected to several previous archaeological surveys: January 1986, November 1993, December 1993, July 1996, June 1999, and October 2000 by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (HPD# HP990212-005). Since that time the proposed project has been changed to include widening along portions of the mainline. In addition, easements of various sizes were added along the corridor. The largest addition of right-of-way, approximately 625 feet x 275 feet, is on the north side of the proposed Fall Line Freeway where it will intersect with Buck Creek. The easements also vary in size and can be found throughout the project corridor. 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. By agreement, because no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental 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 above.