Archaeological Assassment of Project EDS-27(149), Decatur and Miller Counties.

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project EDS-27(149), Decatur-Miller 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 widen SR 1/US 27 beginning at CR-338 in Decatur County and extending north for approximately 11.8 miles to the south city limits of Colquitt, Georgia. The proposed widening would begin on the west side of US-27/SR-1 for approximately 1500 feet before shifting to the east side for the remainder of the corridor. There is 100 feet of existing right-of-way along the route with an additional 35 feet required. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way 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 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.