Archaeological Reassessment of Project STP-89-1 (31), Jones County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project STP-89-1(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. The proposed project would repair slope failure on SR 49 just northeast of Macon in Jones County. The proposed project would begin at MP 3.2 and extend north for 3000 feet. Existing right-of-way is 130 feet and required right-of-way varies from 180 to 280 feet. Changes from the last reevaluation of this project include an increased project length of 0.19 mile, realignment of Frank Foster Road with SR 49, and additional required right-of-way was added. These project changes have been surveyed for cultural resources. 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 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 archaeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources. No existing or eligible National Register 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.