Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-030-3(18), Toombs County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-030-3(18), Toombs County, has been surveyed with respect to archaeological. resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRFIP). 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 proposed to widen and reconstruct US 280/SR 30 by creating a one-way pair through downtown Vidalia, from approximately 1200' west of Sunset Drive easterly to Broadfoot Boulevard, utilizing US 280/SR 30 for eastbound traffic and existing South Main Street for westbound traffic. Existing right-of-way along US 280/SR 30 varies from approximately 60'-100', while additional required right-of-way varies from 50'-100'. The original survey was conducted by GDOT archaeologist Eric Anthony Duff in April 1997, The proposed project has now been extended approximately 180' east of Broadfoot Boulevard An archaeological survey consistent with the project description was conducted for the entire length of the project corridor. An archaeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines developed by the GDOT Staff Archaeologist.-, 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 NRI-IP provided that the project conforms to that described above.