Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-002-4 (31), Jones County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-002-4(31 ), Jones 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-002-4(31) would replace the existing drainage system in the city of Gray. The first portion of the proposed project would begin at the US 129/SR 22/SR 11/Madison Street intersection and terminate 180 feet west of Jefferson Street. The second portion of the drainage improvements would be at the intersection of Ross Street with Cleveland Street. In addition, a small section of new location will be placed 50 feet west of the Ross Street/US 129/SR 22/SR 11 intersection. The existing right-of-way for US 129/SR 22/SR 11 is approximately 60 feet. The existing right-of-way for both Ross Street and Cleveland Street is approximately 50 feet. The required right-of-way for US 129/SR 22/SR 11 varies with a maximum of 10 additional feet. The required right-of-way for Ross Street and Cleveland Street varies with a maximum of 30 feet. The new location section will require approximately 20 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.