Archeological Survey of Easements for Project EDS-27(157)(168), Early/ Miller Counties

The following is being furnished to you for inclusion as written, in the appropriate environmental document:"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project EDS-27(157)(168), Early/Miller Counties, has been surveyed with respect to archeological 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 archeological resources within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect. The proposed project consists of the survey of driveway easements, sediment basins, and the relocation of the southern end of the Blakely Bypass. The easements and basins vary in size from 25' to 140'. The southern end of the Blakely Bypass has been shifted west to accommodate an easier entrance onto the bypass. The required right-of-way for the southern end of the bypass is 250' with a length of 2000' feet. The original project is the widening and reconstruction of US 27/SR I beginning at the southern end of the Blakely Bypass and proceeding south to end at the north city limits of Colquitt, Georgia. The existing 2-lane roadway would be widened to a 4-lane divided highway on approximately 250 feet of right-of-way. An archeological survey (Level II) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register resources were located within the project's area of potential environmental effect. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.