7/28/07
I-3 The Third Infantry Division Highway
Letter to Sen. Johnny Isakson

1/12/07
Stop I-3 Board Comments, Questions Nuclear Complex 2030 Environmental Impact Statement

11/7/05
A Letter from Bob Massey to the Cherokee County, N.C. Commissioners

10/31/05
Mountain High Hikers
Letter to Governor Perdue

8/05
Interstate 3 Information
Letter to Clay County Officials

7/26/05
Everybody's Mountains: Georgia Wildlife Federation Opposes I-3
Letter to Representaive Norwood

A Letter from Bob Massey to the Cherokee County, N.C. Commissioners:

Bob Massey is a landscaper, bicycle rider, and a passionate spokesman
in defense of the Western North Carolina Mountains.

I would like to take this opportunity to share my thoughts and opinion on
the proposed I-3 project, but please bear with me as I start at the
beginning.

I came to this area nearly 30 years ago, but it was a choice and a journey
that began for me in 1953 at the age of 7. You see, I was traveling through the area, on my way to visit my uncle at his dairy farm in Kentucky.

My first vivid images of the region came as we passed through Franklin, NC, and on to the Qualla Boundary. I recall being awe struck by the sheer beauty and simplicity of the area. The real icing on the cake was being able to pass through the Cumberland Gap. The Cumberland Gap, that magnificent, magical place I had read about so many times in my history books. I recall that very moment when the decision was made in the back of my mind. It came as we passed through Newfound Gap on my return trip, and it was just as the sun was rising. The phrase " truly God's country" was emblazoned in my mind, and from that point forward I vowed that "someday I will return here to live, and with God's grace die here" I have been here nearly 30 years with no intention of leaving.

Now to I-3:

Obviously we are blessed to live in such a warm, caring and nurturing community. This is evidenced by the fact that we have such a diverse community, and many more individuals clamoring to get here daily. Away from the interstates and large cities.

Evidently, we are currently sitting in the middle of what a great number of people are in search of. The entire western region of North Carolina is experiencing an enviable rate of growth. So much in fact that we are unable to keep pace with existing laws governing septic systems, or monitoring of silt in our streams and rivers being caused by a" BOOM" in new residential construction. A lack of funding by our state, have left these important positions unfilled, or under staffed. Consequently, each passing day we lose a little more of our precious environment.

This area will only become more desirable as time passes, because this will be one of the few remaining places on the east coast that has this much natural beauty, and wonderful sense of community.

It is evident to me by the progress our community has achieved over the past near 30 years, that this entire region will continue to grow, and prosper without the destruction of our natural beauty, culture, heritage and way of life that I-3 is certain to bring.

All we need do is look south to our friends in Jasper, Ellijay , and Blue Ridge to see just how fast an interstate can eat communities. If I-3 comes to fruition then we will be truly caught in the cross hairs of 2 interstates I -575, I-3, plus Corridor "K" Our community will not stand a chance.

I am not opposed to economic progress, but when I hear the phrase "I-3 will bring an economic boom to the area" it's the BOOM part of the phrase that frightens me. Boom, usually indicates rapid, unplanned growth and development without regard to existing community culture or heritage.

We will continue to grow, prosper and expand inspite of I-3, but hopefully not with all the trappings that an interstate brings, crime, noise and air pollution, and perhaps most importantly, we will not be asked to sacrifice our sense of identity, and community. We are blessed to live in an area, where you can still walk into a local business and get an answer from the owner, and not have to wait for a reply from headquarters. Or, walk down the street, and have a friend ask "how are you and your folks doing?," and care about your reply.

I know we cannot hide ourselves in a shell from the rest of the world and hold on to the past without compromise, but we need not open the door, and let the wolf in.

It will certainly spell an unforgiving and rapid demise to the values that brought most of us here. For that wolf has a ravenous appetite, and it will devour everything in sight, in the name of progress.

We will continue to grow. We will continue to prosper and thrive. Why?

Because we still have what the rest of the world is so desperately seeking. Friends, family, mountains, streams, rivers and one terrific place to live.

With this in mind, I beg you to be true visionaries, leaders and guardians, and pass a resolution that will effectively kill any prospects of I-3, now or in the future. Help preserve our sense of community, that many of you present, grew up with, and love.

Let's keep this one of the best places on God's earth to live .

Thank you,

Bob Massey 11-7-05

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