PRIOR CONCEPTS

Throughout the project's history, several potential alternatives for resolving the 1943 Agreement have been proposed. While these approaches are summarized below, other alternatives will be given full consideration as input from the public is collected and detailed analyses are conducted:

1. No Action
Do not build the road. Continue to offer access to cemetery plots by NPS ferries and vehicles. (A "no action" alternative is required by the National Environmental Policy Act.)

2. Two-Lane Road
Use the appropriated $16 million to continue constructing the road, which the government estimates would cost approximately $150 million to complete.

3. Cash Settlement
Secure federal appropriations for Swain County in lieu of building the road.

4. Low-Standard Road
Construct an unpaved narrow road that would allow access to the Fontana Addition and the cemeteries. The road could be a public use road (open to public as weather conditions permit) or a gated administrative road.

5. Laurel Branch Picnic Area
Build the previously designed Laurel Branch Picnic Area at the terminus of the tunnel.

6. Extend Road to Proposed Development at Bushnell or Other Location
Continue the road approximately five additional miles beyond the tunnel and develop a recreation area or heritage center as a destination point.