Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-0568(12), Echols County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP- 0568 (12), Echols 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 repairing of both ends of the existing bridge on CR 120 over the Alapaha River just east of the city of Howell, Georgia. The proposed project would reconstruct the existing enrolls at both ends of the bridge. Existing right-of-way is approximately 30.5 m (100 ft). No additional right-of-way would be required for completion of the proposed project. 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.