Archaeological Re-Assessment of Project EDS-441 (39), Laurens/Wilkinson Counties

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project EDS-441(39), Laurens/Wilkinson Counties has been surveyed 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 EDS-441 (39) would widen and reconstruct US 441 from CR 471 in Laurens County northerly to SR 112 in Wilkinson County for a total distance of approximately 15.8 km (9.8 mi). Brockington and Associates, Inc. surveyed the original proposed alignment in 1996. The project concept has been revised to include two proposed alignment shifts. Revision # 1 would widen US 441 on the west side of the existing roadway beginning at CR 471 and continuing northerly to an ending point approximately .37 km (.22 mi) north of Rocky Creek. Revision # 2 would widen US 441 on the east side of the existing roadway beginning approximately .14 km (.08 mi) north of CR 430 and continuing northerly to an ending point approximately .76 km (.47 mi) north of CR 429. The existing right-of-way on US 441 is approximately 30.4 m (100 ft), while the additional required right-of-way will be a maximum of approximately 45.7 m (150 ft). An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project description was conducted for 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.