5. BACKGROUND  1964 - the President's Appalachian Regional Commission (PARC) reported to Congress that economic growth in Appalachia would not be possible until the Region's isolation had been overcome.  PARC report and the Appalachian governors placed top priority on a modern highway system as the key to economic development

6. BACKGROUND contd.  Congress authorized the construction of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) in the Appalachian Development Act of 1965.  The ADHS was designed to generate economic development in previously isolated areas, supplement the interstate system, connect Appalachia to the interstate system, and provide access to areas within the Region as well as to markets in the rest of the nation.

7. BACKGROUND contd.  2003 – TDOT publishes draft EIS on proposal to build 4-lane interstate highway across Appalachian Mtns. In vicinity of and paralleling Ocoee River gorge.  2004 – Rep. Zach Wamp and Chris Newton promote Corridor K on grounds of economic development and improved safety.

8. BACKGROUND contd.  DEIS showed Corridor K project would displace businesses and residents, increase water pollution and impair wildlife habitat. Estimated cost upwards of $2.3 billion.  Environmental impacts and public opposition cause TDOT to shelve project.  2004 – TDOT recommended straightening Hwy 64 at cost of $19M. USFS objected and stalled project.

9. BACKGROUND contd.  2007 – Funded by grant from ARC, Wilbur Smith & Assoc. develops and published economic study of Corridor K to justify construction.  2008 – TDOT lets contract to conduct new EIS on Corridor K through mountains.

10. CORRIDOR K RATIONALE  Economic Development  Relieve Traffic Congestion and reduce travel times  Safety  Link SW North Carolina with global markets through seaports – Wilmington, NC; Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC

11. CORRIDOR K SUPPORTERS  Representative Zach Wamp  Appalachian Regional Commission  Denny Mobbs, Polk County Attorney  Local county and municipal governments

12. IMPACTS  Sprawl - strip development; convenience stores, fast food franchises, warehouses, noise, and congestion.  Economic - destruction of mountain economy (nature based tourism and recreation, family farms, and second home development).

14. IMPACTS  Wildlife corridors would be severed.  Wildlife habitat would be destroyed.  35 rare or threatened species likely to be affected.  Water pollution from siltation and acid drainage.