Archaeological Assessment of Project FR-001-1 (44), (45), & (48), Lowndes County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, projects FR-001-1(44), (45) & (48), Lowndes County have 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 S.R. 7/U.S. 41 between Lake Park and Valdosta. The combined projects would begin just north of Lake Park then would extend northerly along existing S.R. 7 and portions of U.S. 41 to Industrial Road in south Valdosta. No major right-of-way acquisitions would be required. Additional right-of-way would be required for some intersection relocations along the project corridor. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the project corridor. 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.