I also believe the partial build to Bushne ll and Laurel Branch picnic area options are not valid and worth considering because they don't adequately address the issues present in the 1943 agreement.

I believe that either the Laurel Branch or the partial build to Bushnell would be satisfactory. They would provide access for recreational use for not only Swain County people, but also for the Smoky Mountain visitor group as well. These two alternatives are much less costly and much less environmentally impacting than building the North Shore corridor.

It is unclear what is to be gained by the Laurel Branch Picnic Area and Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. These alternatives might provide more recreational resources in the area (although we think there are plenty of picnic tables in the area already) but where will the money come from to staff and maintain these facilities? The GSMNP has been underfunded for years and cannot adequately maintain the existing roads and facilities.