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December 2, 2009
Mr. Ed Lewis
NC Department of Transportation
Human Environment Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Dear Mr. Lewis:
I am writing to express my opposition to the plan of the North Carolina Department of Transportation to build a four-lane highway in Graham County, commonly known as Corridor K. My wife and I are owners of property along Stecoah Creek, a trout stream in the watershed between the proposed site of construction and the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Lake. We might think that the monetary value of our property would be increased by this project; however I am much more interested in avoiding the water pollution and other environmental damage that would result, as well as the radical modification of the natural setting in this increasingly rare and much needed mountain retreat for citizens of North Carolina and other states.
Furthermore, I do not accept the rationale for this project based on alledged economic development to be realized. Similar rural areas have not been significantly improved by four-lane roads such as I-40 and I-26, beyond some additional low-wage jobs. In Cocke County, TN, where I work, the average earnings per job have decreased since I-40 was completed.
I understand that the DOT is required to consider alternative routes and designs that would avoid the environmental damage inherent in the current proposal. I do not believe that DOT has adequately fulfilled its obligations. When I discussed this project with a friend who is a well-known successful commercial real estate developer, he could not understand why there has not been a recent comprehensive evaluation of the need for this project in comparison with other potential uses of our scarce taxpayer-provided funds.
The existing road from Stecoah to Robbinsville could be improved with measures such as passing lanes to provide increased capacity for traffic in the future. This road serves quite adequately and will for many years to come, with reasonable and relatively inexpensive improvements.
For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that the DOT seriously consider alternatives to Corridor K.
Sincerely,
Isaac Lassiter
P.O. Box 793
Hot Springs, NC 28743
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