Archaeological Assessment of Project IR-75-1- (189), Lowndes County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments thereto, project IR-7 5-1 ( 189), 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 construct a new bridge and interchange at I-75 and CR 785/0ld Clyattville Road southwest of Valdosta. The new bridge would be constructed parallel and north of the existing bridge with two exit ramps and two entrance ramps. Approximately 7.04 acres of additional right-of-way would be required for the northbound exit ramp, 5.84 acres would be required for the northbound entrance ramp, and approximately 21.8 acres of additional right-of-way would be required for the combined southbound entrance and exit ramps. An archaeological survey consistent with the proposed rights-of-way was surveyed for the entire length of the project. 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 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.