[at-l] New Fontana Lake Road

[RoksnRoots at aol.com (RoksnRoots@aol.com)]

                 NY Times ran an article on the proposed new road along the 
base of the Smokies on the north shore of Fontana Lake.

           The issue is a promise made to the locals to compensate the land 
confiscated for the lake with a road. This was during the war years in 1943. 

         They started the road in 1960 but then realized the serious 
environmental impact it would have to the quietest corner of the Smokies. The project 
was halted.

         Recently locals have raised the issue that the road should be built 
in order to fulfill the promise. They site economic reasons saying they will 
benefit from the business brought to the area by the road.

         Environmentalists say the road will be hugely damaging to one of the 
most remote sections of the Smokies. Noise from diesel engines will fill the 
area and surrounding Smokies Park.

          Locals responded that the government should make good on their word 
no matter. However, they did say that a $52 million dollar settlement with 
the local government would assuage their gripe. 

        I'm wondering if holding wild places for ransom hasn't become a 
perverse business for less enlightened Americans lately? It seems potentially 
disastrous claims from politicized reactionaries are being given too much 
consideration lately. No such consideration was given to Pennsylvania's Appalachian 
Trail Act and the "promise" implied there.

         A sad state has evolved in America where - even though insane 
development is happening everywhere - people aren't afraid to attack even the 
Smokies for their share of the loot. The article quoted a local who said they didn't 
want another Gatlinburg, but were entitled to the right.

      Once again, the article never once mentioned the Appalachian Trail.

        Shame.






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