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June 16, 2006
WNC regional planning commission opposes “devastating”
new interstate
March 22, 2006
Stop I-3 Coalition to hold public information
meeting in Clarkesville
February 22, 2006
More county commissions vote to oppose
I-3 corridor
February 6, 2006
Macon County commissioners vote to oppose interstate
corridor
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June
16, 2006
WNC regional planning commission opposes “devastating”
new interstate
The regional planning commission representing seven counties
and 16 cities in western North Carolina has come out against
federal proposals to punch a new interstate highway through
its mountainous, home area.
“Construction of an interstate highway through the
rugged terrain of southwestern North Carolina would have a
devastating environmental, economic, cultural and aesthetic
impact on these mountains, including the Nantahala National
Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” according
to the resolution issued by the Southwestern Commission earlier
this week.
“The natural beauty of our Southern Appalachian region
is the main asset that draws tourism, which feeds our economy,”
the resolution said.
The proposed interstate at issue, currently the subject of
a Congressionally mandated study, would run from Savannah
to Knoxville, via Augusta, Ga., and has largely been pushed
by a few representatives from Georgia. Somewhat pointedly,
the commission’s resolution points out that “neither
the state of North Carolina nor any county in southwestern
North Carolina was consulted before the I-3 study legislation
was introduced in the U.S. Congress.”
The resolution noted that the preference of western North
Carolinians and their elected representatives would be to
see “any new federal highway funds” allocated
to completion of Appalachian Corridor K .
The commission’s action pleased the Stop I-3 Coalition,
a regional organization formed to educate the public to the
many problems associated with the proposed highway. “This
is excellent news,” said Elizabeth Wells, executive
director of the coalition.
Roger Turner of Franklin, N.C., and a member of the Stop
I-3 Coalition board of directors, also praised the Southwestern
Commission’s action. “We are truly pleased to
see local officials in Western North Carolina standing firm
against this ruinous road,” he said.
The Stop I-3 Coalition represents a growing confederation
of community organizations and conservation groups located
in the four-state Appalachian region (see for details.) It
is dedicated to stopping an unneeded interstate or any similar
highway that it believes would do irreparable harm to mountain
economies, forests, farms, and streams, and to rural qualities
of life rooted in a strong sense of place.
Contacts:
Elizabeth Wells, (706) 878-2030
Roger Turner, (828) 586-6968
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