Smart Roads Alliance
The Jackson County Smart Roads Alliance was formed in 2002 in response to a proposal by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to build a new $132 million* highway through the middle of our most precious and beautiful rural county. Our goal since 2002 has been to work together as a community and create smart solutions to our traffic and transportation issues. (* $132 million construction cost source: NCDOT 2008)
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North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCDOT is planning to build the $132 million Southern Loop Bypass (NC 107 Connector) from US 23-74 in Balsam to NC 107 between Sylva and Cullowhee - NCDOT project STIP R-4745 is funded and construction will begin in 2016 unless the public demands other solutions.
The Resolutions
The Resolutions, unanimously signed in 2003 by the representative leaders from all four of Jackson County's incorporated towns (Sylva, Dillsboro, Webster, Forest Hills) requested that NCDOT "remove the Southern Loop Bypass from its long-range plan" and instead develop strategies for "improving existing roads as alternatives to the Bypass". A copy of the resolution and a petitions with thousands of Jackson County citizen's signatures were turned in to NCDOT at their annual State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) meetings to stop this proposed new highway. Despite public opposition, NCDOT is moving forward with this massive new highway project.
Other important articles with background information:
2009 - Smart Roads Alliance Position: Jackson County Comprehensive Transportation Plan
2008 - Construction on 23-74/107 connector could begin in 2015
2008 - Smart Roads Files Compaint Over Southern Loop
2008 - Smart Roads Event Discusses Alternatives to Southern Loop
2007 - Leaders, citizens demand input as road plan progresses
2007 - Southern Loop Opposition Mounts
2007 - Burrell, Setzer Plug Plan for Southern Loop (ignoring public outcry and towns' wishes)
2007 - Southern Loop On Priority List, Transportation Advisory Committee Disagrees
2007 - STIP Includes Funding For Portion of Southern Loop
2003 - "Who will decide the future growth of Jackson County?"
2003 - Sylva, Dillsboro Join Official Opposition to Southern Loop (The Resolutions)
2002 - Smart Roads Alliance Formed
2001 - NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Ron Watson updates EDC on 'southern loop' status
2001 - Southern Loop Feasibility Study Approved
The original proposed new highway project would have cost over $230* million to construct ($26 million per mile) and continued to US 23-441 through Webster. The Jackson County Smart Roads Alliance was instrumental in getting the Webster portion of the bypass removed from the R-4745 plan. (* NCDOT 2001 estimate)
Other important articles with background information:
2009 - Smart Roads Alliance Position: Jackson County Comprehensive Transportation Plan
2008 - Construction on 23-74/107 connector could begin in 2015
2008 - Smart Roads Files Compaint Over Southern Loop
2008 - Smart Roads Event Discusses Alternatives to Southern Loop
2007 - Leaders, citizens demand input as road plan progresses
2007 - Southern Loop Opposition Mounts
2007 - Burrell, Setzer Plug Plan for Southern Loop (ignoring public outcry and towns' wishes)
2007 - Southern Loop On Priority List, Transportation Advisory Committee Disagrees
2007 - STIP Includes Funding For Portion of Southern Loop
2003 - "Who will decide the future growth of Jackson County?"
2003 - Sylva, Dillsboro Join Official Opposition to Southern Loop (The Resolutions)
2002 - Smart Roads Alliance Formed
2001 - NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Ron Watson updates EDC on 'southern loop' status
2001 - Southern Loop Feasibility Study Approved
The original proposed new highway project would have cost over $230* million to construct ($26 million per mile) and continued to US 23-441 through Webster. The Jackson County Smart Roads Alliance was instrumental in getting the Webster portion of the bypass removed from the R-4745 plan. (* NCDOT 2001 estimate)
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Thank you to smart roads!Im not sure how this blog works but its a great idea
ReplyDeleteThank you to smartroads
ReplyDeleteAre there any more bumperstickers??
ReplyDeleteCan we erect signs/billboards to raise awareness?
& thank you to all who have been working to stop this tragedy. Great speakers last night!!
Signs placed on your own private property informing the public are a great idea. Good way to get them to see the website, attend upcoming meetings and know what's going on. Be careful about placing signs or billboards in the "right of way" as they will most likely be removed.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is difficult to determine the most appalling aspect of this entire "Loop", the utter deception of our public officials is close to the top.
ReplyDeleteI could not help but be amazed at the lack of consideration for families who have lived here for decades and paid taxes during that time.
ReplyDeleteThe congestion is definitely a problem; however, there is more at state than convenience for WCU staff, students and visitiors.
I wonder if anyone at DOT would be impacted by the look on the faces of the elderly people who read the ad, and have continued to be bombarded with information about their futures.
Our government has had no feeling for John Q. Public for decades; it shows no evidence of starting now.
Hello again from Fla,I bought land near cane creek for a get away from this mess down here.I wanted my kids to be able to see the country and feel they had another home other than the city.I respect the people that have always lived in NC and feel bad that indirectly, Im part of the reason the powers that be think we need more roads.I have a message for them,don't do me any favers!Listen to the people that truly care about the area,and leave things alone.Thanks again smartroads,keep fighting!
ReplyDeleteJanuary 10 marked an interesting, if not unexpected turn of events.
ReplyDeletehttp://gulahiyi.blogspot.com/2008/01/screwed-over-by-smart-roads.html