Archaeological Assessment for Project EDS-84(11), BHF-026-3(44) and BRF-026-3(45), Long and Wayne Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects EDS-84(11), BHF-026-3(44), and BRF-026-3(45), Long and Wayne Counties have 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 project area. The proposed projects would widen SR23/US25 from just southwest of the Altamaha River in Wayne County north to a point southwest of the city of Ludowici. In addition, nine bridges would be replaced or new parallel bridges would be constructed at the Altamaha River, Morgan Lake, Griffin Lake, Back Swamp (at four locations), Fountain Branch and Jones Creek. Existing rights-of-way is 300 feet. No additional rights-of-way would be required. An archaeological survey consistent with the combined project boundaries was surveyed for the entire length of the proposed project corridor. 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 archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. 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.