Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-2434(2), Jackson County

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document: "In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-2434(2) in Jackson 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. Proposed project STP-2434(2) in Jackson County would consist of the construction of a bypass around the western city limits of Jefferson. This project was originally surveyed and cleared by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc., in 1997. A small parcel of required right-of-way has recently been added to the northern project terminus to accommodate a stream relocation. The maximum dimensions of the additional parcel are approximately 100 feet by 260 feet. The parcel is located adjacent to the eastern edge of the original proposed right-of-way, approximately 200 feet south of US 129/SR 11. 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.