Archaeological Survey of the Project STP-176-1(5), Columbia County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-176-1 (5), Columbia 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 construct two passing lanes on SR 47 between I-20 and Pollard's Corner in Columbia County. Passing lane #1 would consist of symmetrical widening of a 2.68 mile section of SR 47 between I-20 and Appling. Passing lane #2 would consist of widening a 1.5 mile section of SR 47 between Appling and Pollard's Corner. For both passing lane areas there exists 100 feet of right-of-way. Additional right-of-way required for both areas will vary from 15-35 feet on both sides of the roadway. 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.