Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-036-1(25), Tift/Irwin

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-036-1 (25), Tift/Irwin Counties 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. Project STP-036-1(25) consists of shoulder paving, 0 .6 m (2.0 ft) left and right, of SR 35/US 319 beginning 38 m (124. 5 ft) north of the SR 520 intersection (m.p. 12. 95) and ending at the curb and gutter section in Ocilla (m.p. 9.51) for a total distance of 27.988 km (17.4 mi). Existing right - of-way is 30.5 m (100 ft) with no additional right-of-way required. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) 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 existing or eligible National Register archaeological 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.