Displaying items by tag: wears valley
Feds to restart “technical and design work” for Foothills Parkway extension
Conservation groups have cautioned against the zombie roadway between Wears Valley and Gatlinburg; EIS-level study uncertain
This story will be updated.
Concerns raised by the public over the decades range from impacts on domestic water supplies and endangered or threatened species to the fact the roadway might be a catalyst for excessive tourism infrastructure in Townsend and Wears Valley.
National Park Service seeks more public comment on proposed Foothills Parkway extension in Smokies
A 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.”