Archaeological Reassessment of Project NH-IM-75-1(215)/csnhs-0006-00(016), Turner County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project NH-IM-75-1(215)/CSNHS-0006-00(016), Turner 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 original project would consist of widening 1-75 in Turner County from two north and south bound lanes to four, from the Turner/Tift County line to the intersection of 1-75 with SR 159. Existing right-of-way along 1-75 is approximately 250', with all construction taking place within existing right-of-way. Project NH-IM-75-1(215) was originally surveyed by Eric Duff and received concurrence on October 26, 1998. Current revisions split the project into two separate projects. Project NH-IM-75-1(215) now ends just south of SR 32, while Project CSNHS-0006-00(016) would begin south of SR 32 and end just north of SR 159. For NH-IM-75-1(215), additional right-of-way is required for realignment of South Access Road/CR 26, Bethel Road/CR 27, and the Carter Road/CR 23 and Robert Davis Road/CR 35 bridge replacements. For CSNHS-0006-00(016) additional right-of-way is required for the Denham Road/CR 253 and Airport Road/CR 11 bridge replacements. An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level II) 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 work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological 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 archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.