In October 2001, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an archaeological survey for the proposed Eastern Connector project (Buena Vista Road to Macon Road/SR 22) in Columbus, Georgia, for Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc., (JJ&G). Background research and field survey were conducted to: (1) provide accurate and reliable location of archaeological sites in the project; (2) provide an evaluation of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility for all identified archaeological resources; (3) provide sufficient data to assess avoidance alternatives for potentially NRHP-eligible resources; and (4) provide recommendations for mitigation if avoidance is not possible. This survey was carried out to comply with cultural resource requirements of Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act (1992, as amended), and the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act. Major segments of the proposed Eastern Connector project corridor cross tracts recently acquired by the City of Columbus from Fort Benning. The Muscogee Technology Park and Pine Grove Landfill tracts were intensively surveyed for archaeological sites, and all sites found have been carefully evaluated for NRHP eligibility. All NRHP eligible sites in these segments of the proposed Eastern Connector corridor were carefully avoided during design, and none of these sites are within the area of potential effect (APE) for this project. After detailed discussions with the Federal Highway Administration, it was decided that the Pine Grove Landfill and Muscogee Technology Park tracts have been examined thoroughly, and that further survey of the proposed Eastern Connector corridor segment within these tracts was not necessary. Our survey of the Eastern Connector focused on two portions of the proposed project corridor located outside of the Muscogee Technology Park and Pine Grove Landfill tracts. These two areas are located on the northern and southern ends of the project corridor. The field survey consisted of pedestrian visual examination and shovel testing at 30 meter (100 ft) intervals along transects (one transect for every 30 meters [l00 ft] of corridor width) traversing the length of the project corridor. The field investigation resulted in the identification of three archaeological sites (9ME1114, 9ME1115, 9ME1116), one isolated find (Isolate 1), and an active cemetery within the project APE. Sites 9ME1114 and 9ME1116 are prehistoric artifact scatters. Site 9ME1115 is a demolished twentieth century house. These sites and the isolated find do not meet NRHP eligibility criteria and are recommended ineligible. Regarding the Green Acres Cemetery, JJ&G has changed the design of the road so that no right-of-way will be required from the cemetery property. Therefore, no cemetery permit, pursuant to OCGA 36-72, will be required. Brockington and Associates, Inc., found no significant archaeological resources within the project APE. No additional archaeological investigations should be required and we recommend archaeological clearance for the proposed Eastern Connector project.
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