Archaeological Survey of seven slope repair projects along I-75, Tift County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the s lope repair projects along 1-75, Tift County, have been surveyed with respect to archeological 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 projects consist of reconstruction of slopes, shoulder building, extension of drainage pipes, reconstruction of headwalls, erosion control, replacement of damaged right-of-way fencing, and the extension of culverts in Tift County. The area impacted varies from l6-24 feet for the extension of drainage pipes and culverts and from 0.18-0.61 acre for other repairs. All work will be completed within the 1·75 existing right-of-way.

Two archaeological surveys were completed in 1998 and 1999 for the widening of 1-75 from two northbound and southbound lanes to four lanes in Tift County, Georgia (see attachments). No eligible or potentially eligible archaeological resources were located during these surveys. Site 9TI28 [9TI(DOT)JO], mentioned on the 1998 SHPO concurrence letter, was determined ineligible for listing on the NRHP and is not located within the APE for any of these maintenance projects. The surveys were completed in accordance with "GDOTIFHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.