I-3 would devastate mountains
County commissioners approve resolution opposing federal highway
By Dwight Otwell editor

A federal interstate highway constructed through our mountains would have a "devastating environmental and economic" impact on our mountains, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners proclaimed in opposition to the proposed I-3.

The commissioners Monday unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to the federal highway.

The resolution states that Congress has appropriated $1.3 million for a study to determine the need and feasibility of constructing an interstate highway from Savannah, GA to Knoxville, TN.

"Neither the state of North Carolina nor any county in western North Carolina was consulted before hand on legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress by the Georgia Congressional delegation regarding the placement of an interstate highway through the Southern Appalachian mountains," the resolution states.

"Whereas the beauty of our region is the main asset that draws tourism, which feeds our economy, therefore the construction of a federal interstate highway through the existing rugged terrain of Western North Carolina would have a devastating environmental, economic, cultural and aesthetic impact on these mountains, including the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountain National Park."

The resolution states that there has been little support from Cherokee County citizens and their elected representatives at the local, state and federal levels. These citizens prefer these funds be allocated for the repair of existing highway infrastructure, including unsafe bridges.

The resolution concludes, "Whereas, in support and solidarity with our neighboring counties in northeast Georgia, who have expressed their clear opposition to the interstate highway, it is hereby resolved by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners that it is respectfully opposed to a federally funded interstate corridor called I-3 (or any other name for such a corridor) being routed through or near Cherokee County, North Carolina." In another matter, the board designated two weeks for free dumping of household garbage at the county landfill. The free dumping will be during Clean Sweep, the litter campaign, from April 17-30.

County Manager David Barge announced that EMS Station III, under construction in Hiwassee Dam next to Hiwassee Dam School, is almost complete as the water and sewer connection should be done soon.