I prefer no action. Second choice would be the monetary settlement if it would be used for education and assistance to the needy for heating and food.

I am thoroughly against any alternative that involves earthwork. I am not philosophically opposed to a monetary settlement and believe that, if the money is invested wisely, the earned interest on $52M could triple the current tax base of Swain County. I am an advocate of monetary settlement as a means for the DOI to meet the contractual agreement set forth in the 1940s. I am also an advocate of the "no action" alternative and would prefer to see this alternative selected above all others.

Obviously there is no way to please everyone on this issue. However the option that impacts the fewest people needs to be taken. The environmental impact of construction to build any sort of road will have a negative impact to everyone that visits the national park today and in the future. If this road was ever going to be built to honor the 1943 agreement, that time has long since past. I feel that the tough decision has to be made and go with the decision that will be best for the vast majority of people in the present and the future, and that is the no-action option. I believe that US 19 and NC 28 fulfill the agreement and annual cemetery visitations should continue.