Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-1833(11), Jones County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-1833(11), Jones 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. The proposed project would add passing lanes at three sites on SR 18 in Jones County. Site 1 would begin at Mile Post 14.85 then continues southeasterly on the south side of SR 18 for approximately 2.03 kilometers (1.25 miles) to an end point at Mile Post 16.10. Site 2 would begin at Mile Post 17.14 then continue southeasterly on the north side of SR 18 for approximately 2. 51 kilometers (1. 56 miles) to an end point at Mile Post 18.70. Site 3 would begin at Mile Post 21.39 then continue southeasterly on the south side of SR 18 for approximately 1.93 kilometers (1.20 miles) to an end point at Mile Post 22.59. The existing right-of-way on SR 18 is approximately 24.38 meters (80 feet), while the additional required right-of-way will be approximately 6.1 meters (20 feet). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire 6.45 kilometer (4.01 mile) 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 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.