This is a critical time in the development of plans for Corridor K in NC. We have a public comment period until December 4 to impress on NC DOT the need to consider the alternative of improving the existing highway rather than constructing a new divided 4-lane highway through our pristine mountains and valley. This sensible alternative would address all of the real problems with the existing route while saving Cheoah Bald Mountain and Stecoah Valley from the destruction that would come with 4-lane highway construction.  

Please write or e-mail now to Mr. Ed Lewis of the NC DOT Human Environment Unit (Address below) to urge that the plans for the Corridor K Sections B and C from Robbinsville, NC through the Stecoah Valley include the alternative of improving the current highway.  NC DOT’s own research shows that a four-lane highway built to interstate standards is not needed to meet traffic demands for at least the next 30 years. Such construction would be severely damaging to streams, wildlife, remote backcountry, scenic vistas, and the Appalachian Trail. The massive construction in geologically unstable formations could cause ongoing water quality and landslide issues. It would increase safety problems by funneling four lanes of traffic onto hazardous sections of two-lane U. S. 129. The 4-lane highway would also be exorbitantly expensive in a time when our public agencies should be spending public funds wisely, and it would damage an economy that is dependent on tourism. We need a sensible alternative that addresses the real road issues by improving the existing highways.

Please send a copy of your letter to your congressman and, if you are from North Carolina, send a copy to Governor Perdue. Regardless of your residence, you may write and protest that as a U. S. citizen you are a part-owner of the National Forest and that you object to any plans that would damage your property. 

Thank you,  
Lucy E. Bartlett
Chair of the Board of Directors
WaysSouth  

Send Comments by December 4 to:

Mr. Ed Lewis

NCDOT Human Environment Unit

1598 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-1598

phone: (919) 431-6585  fax: (919) 431-2002

email: elewis@ncdot.gov

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