Archaeological Assessment of Porject STP-004-3(37), Columbia/Richmond Counties, HP970516-001

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-004-3 (37), Columbia/Richmond 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-004-3(37) would widen and reconstruct US 78, 278/SR 10 in Columbia and Richmond Counties. The proposed project would begin at a point just west of CR 258 /Old Louisville Road then continue northeasterly to an end point at SR 223/East Robinson Road. The existing right-of-way on US 78, 27 8/SR 10 varies from approximately 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet), while the additional required right-of-way will vary from approximately 40 to 50 meters (131 to 164 feet). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire 9.2 kilometer (5.7 mile) project corridor. The portion of the Fort Gordon Military Installation affected by the proposed project begins at the Columbia/Richmond County line and continues northeasterly along US 78 , 278/SR 10 to an end point at SR 223. The Department did not resurvey the proposed rights-of-way required from the Fort Gordon Military Installation based on previous archaeological clearance of the area (see attachments). Archaeological surveys of the Fort Gordon Military Installation affected by the above project were conducted by Southeastern Archaeological Services for proposed timber harvests (FY 90, 91, 93) and Panamerican Consultants, Inc. (682 acres in Cantonmentarea, 1996). An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Archaeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Section with 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.