Archaeological Survey of Project STP-M000-00(215), Colquitt, Lowndes, Mitchell, and Turner Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-M000-00(215), Colquitt, Lowndes, Mitchell, and Turner 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.

The proposed project would consist of pile rehabilitation on 17 bridges. Rehabilitation will in valve disassembly of the existing pre-cast concrete superstructures, removal and replacement of the existing timber pile bents and concrete caps, re-assembly of the pre-cast superstructure, and upgrades to bridge rails if necessary. All work will be performed within existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHW A 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.