Archaeological Re-assessment of Project STP-1833 (14), Jones/Wilkinson Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-1833(14), Jones/Wilkinson Counties 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-1833(14) would construct an eastbound and westbound passing la~ SR 18 in Jones and Wilkinson Counties. The proposed project on SR 18 would begin at Mile Post 24.39 in Jones County then continue northeasterly to an end point at Mile Post 0.74 in Wilkinson County. The existing right- o f-way on SR 18 varies from approximately 24.4 to 30.5 meters (80 to 100 feet), while the maximum additional required right-of-way would be approximately 30 meters (100 feet). 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.