The public has suggested alternatives that range from road construction (build) to monetary settlement (no-build) and included potential compromise solutions (partial-build). Public comments were combined with previously documented concepts and agency responses to develop an initial concept list. This list of potential options was reviewed, narrowed down through screening criteria, and examined using a comparison matrix of environmental, social, economic, and engineering constraints. The alternatives were presented at the February/March 2004 public workshops. The final alternatives were developed with input received from the public, state and federal resource agencies, and the project study team. The following are the alternatives that will be studied in the DEIS.

Enhancements for all study alternatives include coordination with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to rehabilitate and enhance interpretive exhibits currently housed at the Fontana Dam visitor information center to include local history; the addition of informational exhibits at the GSMNP boundary, in the vicinity of Bryson City; and ranger-led programs.

All detailed study alternatives would include continued cemetery access into GSMNP. Annual ferry service, as it is currently provided by the National Park Service (NPS), would continue for any alternative that does not include provisions for a new road, does not intersect an administrative road, or only reaches a portion of the cemeteries.

• No-Action

The No-Action Alternative would forgo any improvements to Lake View Road with the exception of routine maintenance. Under this alternative, there would be no changes to the existing conditions within the study area. No compensation would be provided in lieu of building the road. The NPS would continue to provide transportation across Fontana Lake for annual cemetery visits and would maintain current amenities, policies, and practices of GSMNP.

A No-Action Alternative is required by NEPA. Because the No-Action Alternative would avoid any adverse environmental impacts, it provides a basis for comparing the potential impacts and benefits of the partial-build and build alternatives.

• Monetary Settlement

The Monetary Settlement Alternative would provide compensation to Swain County . No additional roadway would be constructed. The NPS would continue to provide transportation across Fontana Lake for annual cemetery visits and would continue its current amenities, policies, and practices for GSMNP.

On February 11, 2003, the Swain County Commissioners passed a resolution saying they would settle the 1943 Agreement by accepting a monetary settlement of $52 million. Bryson City passed a similar resolution on March 3, 2003. The amount of $52 million was calculated by a certified public accounting and consulting firm in January 2003 at the request of the Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County.

• Laurel Branch Picnic Area

The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would consist of a day-use area on the north side of existing Lake View Road , just east of the existing tunnel parking area. Wayside exhibit panels would provide information on the trails, backcountry campsites, and the picnic area itself, as well as a tribute to the local heritage. A new, two-way, paved entrance/exit road would provide access to the day-use area. Occasional ranger-led educational programs would be conducted. Outdoor facilities would include a multi-use picnic shelter; picnic tables; several loop trails; an interpretive, self-guided trail; a backcountry permit station; drinking fountains, and restrooms. The trails would provide an opportunity to explore stream ecology along Laurel Branch. In addition to the above amenities, a publication telling the story of the North Shore Road area would be developed.

• Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell

This alternative would include approximately 7 miles of new roadway from the existing tunnel west to the vicinity of Monteith Branch. Two options for crossing Forney Creek will be studied with this corridor; a major bridge crossing of the Forney Creek embayment and a smaller crossing of Forney Creek, north of the impounded waters. The road would tie to a boat-launching ramp and restricted boat dock. The dock would be used to house NPS or concession-operated boats that would provide transportation on cemetery decoration days from Bushnell or Cable Cove, as appropriate. The boat dock would also be used for scenic boat tours and would be available to the public for temporary docking to access concessions, restrooms, and other facilities.

Exhibit/museum space would be designed to highlight local heritage of the area. The alternative may also include concession opportunities to sell camping and hiking supplies, local goods, boat tours, and publications pertaining to the region and GSMNP. These services could be housed in a replication of an old country store. GSMNP visitor centers would provide visitors with information about the Bushnell Area to promote this destination.

Located near the terminus of the new roadway would be a multi-use picnic shelter and picnic tables, a backcountry permit station, an information kiosk, restrooms, and a parking area to accommodate vehicles, as well as horse and boat trailers. Interpretative, self-guided loop trails would recognize local heritage through a series of wayside exhibits explaining particular points of interest along the trails.

The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would also include provisions for enhancements at Hazel Creek for the former community of Proctor. A new, accessible trail from the boat dock to Proctor and new wayside exhibits would convey the history of the area.

The Bushnell Area would provide the only public boating access directly in GSMNP boundaries. If this alternative is selected, a Commercial Services Plan would be prepared to determine the type of concessions that would be necessary and appropriate, financially viable, and serve the public.

• Northern Shore Corridor

The Northern Shore Corridor would generally follow the northern shore of Fontana Lake to the vicinity of Fontana Dam. The corridor would continue west past the existing Lake View Road tunnel to Forney Creek. A smaller bridge crossing of Forney Creek north of the impounded waters would be necessary before the corridor turns back south toward Fontana Lake . From here, the corridor would continue west utilizing remaining portions of NC 288 to the extent possible. Just west of Calhoun and Mill branches, this alternative would turn north to follow Lakeshore Trail to the area of the former Proctor settlement. Once north of the Hazel Creek embayment, the corridor would turn to the west and continue through a portion of Flint Gap. Past Eagle Creek, the corridor would turn to the south and continue west to NC 28 toward Deal's Gap. The corridor would avoid major bridge crossings of the Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek embayments.

Major bridge crossings of the Forney, Hazel, and Eagle Creek embayments will be studied as options to this alternative. In addition to these options, another option will be studied for the western terminus. This option would allow the proposed corridor to tie directly into the existing GSMNP roadway segment that crosses Fontana Dam before intersecting with NC 28. The study corridor length ranges from roughly 29 to 38 miles, depending on options chosen at Forney, Hazel, and Eagle creeks and the western terminus.

The Northern Shore Corridor Alternative would include provisions for the development of an auto-tour guide, describing the historic and natural points of interest along the route for the study area, telling local history, and illustrating the location of trails and backcountry campsites. Wayside exhibit panels would be provided along the new road and at appropriate pull-off areas and overlooks. Also, restrooms would be built at appropriate locations.