Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-005-2 (015), Lamar-Monroe Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-005-2(015) in Lamar and Monroe 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-005-2(015) proposes to construct two eastbound passing lanes, one westbound passing lane and one center turn lane on US 41/SR 18 between Barnesville and Forsyth. Existing right-of-way on US 41/SR 18 is 50 feet and the proposed right-of-way would vary between 70 and 150 feet. An additional10- 70 feet of easements would be required in several areas for the construction of the project. The total project length is 4.26 miles. 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.