Archaeological Assessment of BHF-036-1(24), Tift/Irwin Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, BHF-036-1(24), 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. The proposed project consists of the replacement of the bridge on SR 35/US 319 over the Alapaha River at the Tift/Irwin County Line. The project would begin approximately 226 m (741.5 ft) south of the Alapaha River and would end approximately 215 m (705.4 ft) north of the river. The existing right-of-way is approximately 61 m (200 ft). No additional right-of-way would be required for the completion of the proposed project. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHA 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.