Archaeological Assessment of Project IR-75-1 (184), (186), and (187) CTS. 1-2 Lowndes County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project IR-75-1(184), (186), AND (187) CTS. 1-2, Lowndes 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 project corridor. The proposed project would widen I-75 from the Florida State line north to the Withlacoochee River bridge northwest of Remerton. The proposed widening would be within the existing 64 foot grassed median. In addition, the overpass structures located at Bevel Creek, abandoned Ownen's-Illinois Railroad Spur, Southern Railroad, Mud Creek, A.C.L. Railroad and SR38 would be widened. No additional right-of-way would be required. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed project boundaries was surveyed for the entire 18.63 mile project length. An archaeological survey (Level I) 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 significant archaeological resources were located within the proposed project corridor as described in paragraph two above. It is concluded, therefore, that the project will not affect archaeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.