Archaeological Survey of GDOT Project CSNHS-0007-00(885), Chatham County; P.I. No. 0007885; HP #: 080605-002

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, GDOT Project CSNHS-0007-00(885), Chatham 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. The project proposes to widen approximately 1.33 miles of Grange Road/SR 25 along the north side of the road from SR 21 to the Port of Savannah from two 10,foot travel lanes to two 12-foot travel lanes with a 14-foot center tum lane and 16-foot shoulders. Existing right-of-way (ROW) varies from 60 to 100 feet, and the proposed ROW would vary from 200 to 250 feet. Center turn lanes are proposed on SR 21 and SR 25 approximately 100 feet north and south of the intersections of Grange Road/SR 21 and Grange Road/SR 25. Existing ROW on SR 21 and SR 25 is approximately 75 feet, and the proposed ROW on SR 25 would vary from 75 to 100 feet. All work would be done within existing ROW on SR 21. An archaeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA 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. Two archaeological sites, 9CH1271 and 9CH1272, were identified within the project's area of potential effect (see attached eligibility recommendations and site forms). Site 9CH1271 is recommended as ineligible for the NRHP and does not possess the potential to yield important information. 9CH1272 was identified within the project's area of potential effect (see attached eligibility recommendation and site form). Site 9CH1272 is of unknown NRHP eligibility however the portion of the site in the APE does not contribute to the overall eligibility of the site. Since no existing or eligible National Register resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect, it is concluded 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. No further archaeological work is recommended.