Archaeological Evaluation of Project EDS-441(130), Telfair/Wheeler Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project EDS-441 (13) Telfair/Wheeler 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 project area.

The proposed project would construct a 2.4 mile long highway on new location east of McRae between US 341 in Telfair County and US 441 in Wheeler county. The proposed typical section is four lanes with a 44 foot median to be constructed on 200 feet of right of way. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor.

An archaeological survey (Level III) 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.