Archeological Assessment of Project MLP-825(1)

The proposed project would construct on new and existing alignment a bypass east of Washington. The project as proposed would begin at a point approximately 0.25 mile southeast of the intersection of S.R.78 and S.R.80 then would extend northwesterly along existing S.R.78 to a point approximately 0.25 miles southeast of the intersection of S.R.78 and S.R.47/U.S.378. From this point the proposed project would extend northwesterly along new location before tying into S.R.47/U.S.378 opposite S.R.17/S.R.10 Loop/U.S.78. From this point the proposed project would extend northwesterly along existing S.R.17/S.R.10 Loop/U.S.78 to a point approximately 300 feet west of the intersection of Sheraton Drive. From this point the proposed project would extend northerly along new location before tying into S.R.17 north of Washington. Required rights-of-way would vary from 50 to 150 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the proposed 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. No significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.