The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia

Displaying items by tag: foothills parkway section 8d

foothills map

GATLINBURG — The National Park Service has posted the Foothills Parkway Section 8D Environmental Assessment (EA) for a 30-day public comment period ending Aug. 21. The EA evaluates the construction of nine miles of new parkway from Wears Valley to the Gatlinburg Spur near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

(Hellbender Press first reported on this proposal in 2021.) 

A virtual public meeting about the EA and the proposed action will be held at 5 p.m. July 30. The meeting will include a presentation about the overview of the project and give time for the public to ask questions.

Read the EA, learn more about the proposed Foothills Parkway Section 8D project, and provide comments

The preferred manner for providing comments is via an online form through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website (linked above), which the agency uses to manage official correspondence and analyze public comments in the planning process. 
 
Comments can also be submitted in writing and postmarked by August 21 to:  
Great Smoky Mountains National Park  
ATTN: Foothills Parkway 8D 
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tenn. 37738 
Published in Feedbag

Foothills_Parkway_NPS_Photo.pngA portion of the existing Foothills Parkway along the current Blount/Sevier/Cocke counties stretch.  National Park Service

GATLINBURG — The National Park Service is accepting comments through Nov. 18 for the proposed construction of Foothills Parkway Section 8D in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed project that would extend the parkway within the existing NPS-managed corridor approximately nine miles from Wears Valley to the Spur near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  

“The completed sections of the Foothills Parkway provide opportunities for scenic views and outdoor recreation and connect visitors and neighbors to the park, as well as the regional transportation network,” said Deputy Superintendent Alan Sumeriski.

“We’re looking forward to taking this next step in the planning process for Section 8D and welcome comments and ideas from the public.” 

Published in News