Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-00MS(221), Butts County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-OOMS (221), Butts 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 proposed project would consist of the milling and resurfacing of SR 16in the city of Jackson. The project would begin at approximately MP 9.15 and end at approximately MP 10.18. A sidewalk measuring 1.5 m (5 ft) in width would also be added. Drainage improvements include installation of catch basins and drop inlets. One area of easement would be required

measuring 3 m by 7 m (10 ft by 23 ft) approximately 40 m (131.2 ft) east of the intersection of Cross Street. All other construction would be limited to the existing right-of-way . An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted along the entire project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource 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. "