Washington, D.C. – President Barack Obama signed into law Congressman Heath Shuler's provision to provide $12.8 million to Swain County as a down payment on an eventual North Shore Road settlement.
“I am very pleased that Swain County finally will receive its first federal funds to bring closure to this decades-long issue,” said Congressman Shuler (D-Waynesville). “By signing this law, the Obama administration formally acknowledges the federal government’s obligation that it made to the people of Swain County.”
The White House said yesterday that President Obama signed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010, which includes a provision that releases the first installment of North Shore Road funds. Under the law, $4 million will be released to Swain County with the remaining $8.8 million to be released 120 days after a settlement agreement is reached. Federal, state and county officials continue to negotiate a final settlement over this issue that dates back more than 60 years.
In 1943, Swain County entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior and other government entities that allowed Highway 288 to be flooded to create Fontana Lake. In return, the federal government agreed to construct a road along the north shore of the lake to replace NC 288, the County’s point of entry into what would become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Due to lack of federal funds and environmental concerns, construction of the North Shore Road stalled for decades and was permanently shelved in 2007, when the Department of Interior determined it would instead pursue a cash settlement with Swain County. Since then, Congressman Shuler has worked to guarantee fair compensation for Swain County. As dictated by state law, Swain County Commissioners will determine how interest from settlement funds is spent. Use of principal money requires the approval of two thirds of the County’s registered voters.
“This initial payment by the federal government can help start bridging the divide that has split Swain County over the North Shore Road issue,” said Congressman Shuler. “A fair and final settlement will provide substantial economic benefits to Swain County citizens.”
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