Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-043-1(57), Richmond County (2005)

The Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-043-1(57), Richmond County, HPD# HP970703-002 was conducted in December 2005 by the GDOT. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-043-1(57), Richmond 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. Project STP-043-1(57) would widen SR 4/15th Street/MLK Boulevard in Richmond County. This project was originally surveyed by Dr. Rowe Bowen in October of 1998 (HP970703-002). Since that time the project has been changed to include additional right-of-way and a lengthening of the project on the west side to Deans Bridge Road. The existing right-of-way varies with a maximum of 72 feet. The required right-of-way varies with a maximum of 120 feet. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted along 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 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.