Archaeological Assessment of Quick Response Project in Columbia County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, the Quick Response project in Columbia 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 proposed Quick Response project would extend the existing westbound right turn lane on SR 104 (Washington Road) at its intersection with William Few Parkway in Columbia County. The proposed project would begin at the existing terminus of the right turn lane (Station 0+00) and would extend easterly to an end point at Station 2+00, for a distance of approximately 200 feet. The existing right-of-way on SR 104 (Washington Road) at the William Few Parkway intersection is approximately 120 feet. All project construction will be restricted to within the existing right-of-way. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along 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.