Parkway Seeks Public Input

Date: September 28, 2006
Contact: Suzette Molling, [phone] ext. 219

(Asheville)—The Blue Ridge Parkway is seeking public input, through November 1, on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a right-of-way permit for the Watauga County Board of Education (School Board). Parkway officials said the EA evaluates the impacts of issuing a right-of-way permit to the Watauga County School Board to utilize an existing NC Department of Transportation deed-reserved roadside park on lands that are owned by the National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway, in Watauga County, North Carolina. This property is adjacent to the Parkway School.

The EA looks at two alternatives. Those who wish to review and comment on this document may do so by visiting the Internet site http://parkplanning.nps.gov. Select Blue Ridge Parkway, “Plans/Documents Open for Comment” then click on the document link. (Direct link is: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=355&projectId=12703. ) Even though using this website is recommended, written comments may also be submitted to: Blue Ridge Parkway, ATTN: Suzette Molling, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Comments must be sent by November 1. Ideas and concerns expressed by those who comment will be used to prepare the final proposal and impact analysis.

Comments are typically treated as a public record and made available for public review. Individuals may request that the National Park Service withhold their name and address from disclosure. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowable by law.