Archaeological Reassessment of Project CSSTP-0007-00(221), Candler County

"In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project CSSTP-0007-00(221), Candler 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. CSSTP-0007-00(221) proposes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the existing drainage system, from CS 577/Kennedy Street to CS 584 along Vertia Street in the city of Metter. There would be 20' (10' left and right) of additional right-of-way needed for the completion of this project. Total project length would be approximately 0.80 mile. An archaeological survey consistent with the project specifications was conducted along the project corridor in October of 2006; no archaeological resources on or eligible for the NRHP were located within the APE during the original survey. Since the time of the original concept, minor design changes have occurred. These changes include reducing the proposed project length to 0.40 mile, increasing the size of the proposed culvert, changing the proposed catch basins to drop inlets, and changing the proposed drop inlet to a replacement catch basin. In addition to the right-of-way required, approximately 40 feet of permanent easement would be required on the eastern end of the project. An archeological survey consistent with these project revisions was performed within the project corridor. An archeological survey (Level I) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists 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 archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. By agreement, since no archaeological resources were located within the project's area of potential effect, no signed concurrence form the State Historic Preservation Officer is required. 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.