Stop I-3

We the undersigned, oppose the construction of I-3, a proposed interstate, that is said to be the width of over two football fields, that is being studied to link Savannah, GA to Knoxville, TN, via the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It would run its course through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, cutting into our Southern Appalachain mountains and crossing the Appalachian trail at least once along the way. Construction of any interstate in this region would destroy crucial watersheds, pristine forests and wildlife habitat, devastating protected wilderness areas, including the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The proposed interstate would be costly and would not result in economic benefits for surrounding rural communities. Instead it would disrupt small towns, farms, businesses, and historic homes, and destroy both the current quality of life and the recreational tourism from which this area benefits from. The main reason for the construction has been said to be for economic development and for a quicker route from Savannah, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee but it will only shorten travel time by 15 minutes, and will bring numorous convenience stores, fast food joints, warehouses, noise, congestion and more pollution. The mountain region economy is fueled by nature based tourism, family farms, and second home development. In fact, the kind of development brought by an interstate would literally kill the goose that lays the golden egg, therefore it is not needed or wanted.

We request all elected U.S. and State Senators, Congressmen, and local officials to oppose the construction of an interstate through this region and seriously consider with public participation all impacts and costs of any interstate before reaching a decision on its merits or potential routing. We urge that, considering the above negative impacts, any interstate route through our beautiful mountains and serene landscape be rejected as unnessesary, nonessential, and unexceptable!