Archaeological Assessment of Project IR-16-1 (106) Laurens County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, Project IR-16-1(106), Laurens 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 project corridor. The proposed project consists of reconstructing the existing parallel bridges on SR 31/US 441: additional improvements include realigning the Pinehill Road intersection and adding additional exit ramps from I-16. The project begins at the SR 31 and Pinehill Road intersection and ends approximately 1200 feet north of I-16. The existing right-of-way is 100 feet: a minimum of 200 feet of rightof- way would be required. The total project length is 0.35 mile. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section Staff and concurred with 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 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.