Archaeological Re-Assessment of Project EDS-441(18)(19)(20); Wheeler, Dodge, and Laurens County, Georgia; HP950321-051

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991, Project EDS-441 (18) (19) (20), Wheeler/Dodge/Laurens 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. Project EDS-441 (18) (19) (20) consists of the widening of U.S. 441 between Dublin and McRae, Georgia. Garrow and Associates, Inc. surveyed the original alignment in 1995. The project concept change shifted the alignment to avoid an historic resource, the J. F. Birch house, which is located in Laurens County on CR 222. The proposed relocation of CR 222 was 427 m (1400 ft) south of its intersection with US 441. The concept change relocates CR 222 an additional 49 m (160 ft) south. Required right-of-way is 30.5 m (100 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was conducted for the area of the new alignment. 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 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."