Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-034-1(22), Lowndes County (P.I. No. 422280)

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-034-1(22), Lowndes 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 consists of widening and reconstruction on SR 125 north of Valdosta beginning at CR 867/Inner Perimeter Road then continuing northeasterly to an end point approximately 243.8 m (800 ft.) south of CR176/Hightower Road. The existing right-of-way on SR 125 is approximately30.5 m (100ft.), while proposed additional right-of-way will be 6.0 m (20ft.). Widening along SR 125 would be symmetrical from CR 867 to CR 988/North Ridge Road. From CR 988 the proposed additional right-of-way would shift to the west side of SR 125 to the end of the project. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the entire13.3 km (8.3 mi) 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.