Archaeological Assessment of Projects MR-7024 (1 & 2) and IR-20-2(108). Columbia/Richmond Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects MR-7024(1 & 2) and IR-20-2(108), 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 project corridor. This is the widening and extension of Belair Road from S.R. 104 in Evans to S.R. 10/U.S. 78 at Fort Gordon Gate #1. The project would be 7.55 miles long on an 84 foot R/W in the section to be widened and a 200 foot minimum R/W on the new location section. A survey consistent with this corridor was surveyed. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted within the project corridors in accordance with "GDOT Archaeological 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 significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. 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.