Archaeological Assessment of Project STP-31-1(36) Quitman/Randolph/Terrell Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-31-1(36), Quitman- Randolph-Terrell 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. The proposed project consists of shoulder paving on S.R. 50/U.S. 82 in Quitman-Randolph-Terrell Counties. The proposed project would begin at the end of the curb and gutter section in Georgetown, M. P. 2.39 at High Street and would continue easterly to an ending point at the beginning of the curb and gutter section in the City of Dawson. Shoulder paving on S.R. 50/U.S. 82 would add 0.6 m (2 ft) of paved shoulders to the left and right sides of the existing pavement. No additional right-of-way would be required for the proposed project. All construction is limited to the existing pavement and shoulders on S.R. 50/U.S 82. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project ' s rights- of- way was conducted for the entire km 68.99 (42.88 mi) 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 Division 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.