Archeaological Reassessment of Project BR-STP-2837-(3), Washington County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project BR-STP-2837- (3), Washington 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 proposed project would replace the narrow and structurally deficient bridge on SR 24 over Williamson Swamp Creek. A new 306' X 44' bridge would be built on new alignment immediately north of the existing bridge. Existing right-of-way on SR 24 is approximately 100', with required right-of-way varying between approximately 0'-75'. The design originally called for 8' rural shoulders with 2' paving, however bike lanes were added for the length of the project, requiring a total of 6.5' of paving on 10' rural shoulders. 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. One archaeological site, 9WG129, was recorded during the initial survey. The site was recommended ineligible for inclusion in the NRHP. 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.