Remember the road to nowhere in the Smokies? In 1943, the federal government and the park service got their signals crossed when a dam was built that covered a locally used highway. The federal government planned on and OK’ed the plans to build a new road, but the Park Service wouldn’t allow it because they said it would track right through a protected and un developed part of the National Park.
Smoky Mountains National Park page
Since then, the federal governmemt has been hesitant to cross the Park Service even though the dam had been built causing locals to drive dozens of miles out of their way, effectively cutting off parts of Bryson City area residents and businesses from normal traffic.
Finally, the recent budget bill passing includes $52 million to help settle the issue without building the $600 million dollar road to nowhere.
Read the ABC News story here
Stu Marks
Editor-in-Chief, Adventure-Space.com
Travel Editor, Adventure-Zone
Field Producer - Team Two