Archaeological Assessment o f BRSLB-1212(4), Brooks County

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document:

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, BRSLB-1212(4), Brooks 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. Originally, the proposed project consisted of the replacement of the bridge on CR 275 over Cat Creek with a triple concrete bridge culvert. The project would begin approximately 160 m (525 ft) west of Cat Creek and would end approximately 160 m (525 ft) east of Cat Creek. The existing right-of-way is approximately 18.3 m (60 ft). Additional required right-of-way would be approximately 6.1 m (20 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor by Brandon Higginbotham in February 1996.

The current concept of the proposed project consists of the replacement of the bridge on CR 275 over Cat Creek with a triple concrete bridge culvert. The project would begin approximately 157 m (515.1 ft) west of Cat Creek and would end approximately 212m (695.6 ft) east of Cat Creek. Additional required right-of-way now varies from approximately 3m (10ft) to 8.5 m (27.9 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT / FHWA Cultural Re source 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."