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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA-0009C_ICE_04-10-20 STIP # A-0009C Graham County Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report April 2020 Executive Summary Planner, firm: Amy Sackaroff, Stantec Division: 14 Existing No. of Lanes: 2 Existing Median: No NCDOT/Local Project Manager: Wanda Austin WBS: 32572.1.FS10 FA #: APD-0074(178) Proposed No. of Lanes: 3 Addition of Median(s): No Document Type: ☒ NEPA ☐ SEPA Project Administration: ☒ Division ☐ Central ☐ Locally Administered Program Project (LAPP) Existing control of access: ☒ No Control ☐ Partial Control ☐ Limited Control ☐ Full Control Proposed control of access: ☒ No Control ☐ Partial Control ☐ Limited Control ☐ Full Control Project Type ☐ Interchange Modification ☐ Creation of Interchange ☒ Roadway Widening ☒ Roadway on New Location Project Scale Length ☐ Interchange Project ☐ Roadway Project 0 – 2 miles ☐ Roadway Project 2 – 4 miles ☒ Roadway Project > 4 miles Right-of-Way ☐ Project within existing ROW ☒ Project requires additional ROW CS Project Reviewer (if applicable): Project Description from STIP: Upgrade roadway to include existing facilities and new location from US 129 in Robbinsville to NC 28 in Stecoah. Design Options: The proposed improvements to Corridor K along US 129, NC 143, and NC 28, extending from US 129 south of Five Point Road (SR 1275) in Robbinsville to the existing four-lane section of NC 28 in Stecoah in Graham County, which include both new location and improved existing options. Three detailed study options are being evaluated in the Robbinsville area, which extend from just south of Five Point Road’s intersection with US 129 to the intersection of Five Point Road and NC 143 at Robbinsville High School: • Improve Existing US 129/NC 143 – This design option would maintain the existing alignment along US 129 and NC 143 between each road’s intersection with Five Point Road (SR 1275). Improvements include minimal resurfacing, grading, and the addition of a dedicated eastbound right-turn lane from US 129 to NC 143. • R-1E Intersection – This design option would realign Five Point Road (SR 1275) between its intersections with US 129 and NC 143. The realignment would provide a new option for through-traffic traveling between US 129 south of Robbinsville and NC 143 east of Robbinsville, reducing traffic at the current US 129/NC 143 signalized intersection. Stop-sign controlled t-intersections are proposed at the intersections of the realigned Five Point Road (SR 1275) and US 129 and NC 143. STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 2 • R-1E Roundabout—This design option would realign Five Point Road (SR 1275) between its intersections with US 129 and NC 143. The realignment would provide a new option for through-traffic traveling between US 129 south of Robbinsville and NC 143 east of Robbinsville, reducing traffic at the current US 129/NC 143 signalized intersection. Roundabouts are proposed at the intersections of the realigned Five Point Road (SR 1275) and US 129 and NC 143. Three detailed study options are being evaluated in the Stecoah area which extends from NC 143 at Five Point Road (SR 1275)to the existing four-lane section of NC 28 in Stecoah. These include: • Improve Existing NC 143/NC 28—This design option begins at the intersection of NC 143 and Five Point Road (SR 1275) and continues along existing NC 143,widening the facility to three lanes with alternating climbing and passing lanes to the intersection of NC 28.The design option then follows NC 28, widening the roadway to a three-lane facility with alternating climbing and passing lanes.Additional improvements include providing adequate shoulders and modifying superelevations (cross-slopes) to improve traffic flow along existing NC 143 and NC 28. • S-2—This design option begins at the intersection of NC 143 and Five Point Road (SR 1275) and continues along existing NC 143 as an improve existing segment,widening the facility to three lanes with alternating climbing lanes and passing lanes,for 4.9 miles to just east of Orr Branch Road (SR 1222). East of Orr Branch Road (SR 1222),the design option then begins along a new alignment, which includes a two-lane 4,445-foot long tunnel under existing NC 143 and the Appalachian Trail. The new alignment then crosses over NC 28 on a new 1,053-foot long bridge north of NC 28, and then crosses over Bill Crisp Road (SR 1238) and Edwards Branch on a new 1,120-foot long bridge before terminating at the existing four-lane section of NC 28. • SW-1A—The design option begins at the intersection of NC 143 and Five Point Road (SR 1275) and continues along existing NC 143 as an improve existing segment, widening the facility to three lanes with climbing and passing lanes,for 4.9 miles to just east of Orr Branch Road (SR 1222). East of Orr Branch Road (SR 1222),the design option then begins along a new alignment,which includes a two-lane 5,416- foot long tunnel under existing NC 143 and the Appalachian Trail. East of the proposed tunnel,the design option rejoins NC 28, intersecting NC 143 and widening NC 28 to a three-lane facility with alternating climbing and passing lanes before terminating at the existing four-lane section of NC 28. Each Robbinsville design option can be combined with the Stecoah design options to create nine different alternatives,extending from the project's western terminus at the intersection of US 129 and Five Point Road (SR 1275) in Robbinsville eastward to the four-lane section of NC 28 in Stecoah. While this method is helpful in comparing overall impacts, it can potentially obscure notable impacts. In order to clearly compare options for each portion of the project, environmental evaluation factors are assessed separately for the Robbinsville and Stecoah areas. Summary of Findings Summary of proposed project modifications • The proposed improvements to this section of Corridor K along US 129, NC 143, and NC 28 include both new location and improve existing options and extend from Robbinsville to Stecoah in Graham County. • The typical section for all design options consists of three 12-foot lanes with 8-foot shoulders (including 4- foot paved shoulders).The design options include passing/climbing lanes. J. STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 3 Summary of the time horizon and notable features • Local land use and transportation plans from the Town of Robbinsville, Graham County, and surrounding counties have horizon years of 2025—2040. • Notable human environmental features include: o The Appalachian Trail (AT) and Trail of Tears [Potential Section 4(f)]. o Graham County Park [Section 6(f)] o Fort Montgomery,which served as a base for North Carolina troops to remove Cherokee Indians. o Two recreational resources: Brown Fork Shelter along the AT and the Nantahala National Forest. o Eight churches are located within the Future Land Use Study Area (FLUSA): Old Mother Church, Robbinsville United Methodist, Grace Mountainside Lutheran, First Baptist Church, Sweetwater Baptist, Stecoah Baptist Church, Dry Creek Baptist Church, and Prince of Peace Catholic Church. o Seven cemeteries within the FLUSA: Old Mother Church Cemetery, Holloway Cemetery, Rice Cemetery, Hazie Brown Cemetery,Jenkins Cemetery, Randolph Cemetery, and Edwards Cemetery. o Four schools within the FLUSA: Robbinsville Elementary School, Robbinsville Middle School, Robbinsville High School,Tri County Community College (Graham County Center). o The Graham County Fire Department is located at 70 W Fort Hill Road. o The Graham County Courthouse, located at 12 N. Main Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a memorial to veterans. o The Graham County Travel and Tourism Office is located at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass in Robbinsville. o The Graham County Sheriff's Department is located at 300 Rodney Orr Bypass in Robbinsville. o Robbinsville Town Hall located at 4 Court Street in Robbinsville. o The Stecoah Valley Center is located at 121 School House Road and functions as a multiuse cultural center that promotes the preservation of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. o The Junaluska Memorial is located at 1 Junaluska Memorial Drive near downtown Robbinsville. This is the burial site of Cherokee Chief Junaluska. o The Graham County Senior Center located at 185 West Fort Hill Road provides services to senior citizens such as daily games, dancing, home crafts, health and nutrition workshops, and referral services. o The Graham County Public Library at 80 Knight Street downtown Robbinsville. • Notable natural environmental features include: o The Nantahala National Forest, which is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service (USFS), covers approximately two-thirds of Graham County. o According to the Natural Resources Technical Report prepared for this project,there are 22 potential jurisdictional streams, 11 surface waters, and 76 potential jurisdictional wetlands within the natural resources project study area. As the FLUSA is larger than the natural resources project study area, this information was supplemented with GIS-based data as follows.The streams and associated branches within the FLUSA include 25 305(b) streams, 5 Trout Waters, 100 Public Mountain Trout Waters, 9 trout streams, and 50 US Army Corps of Engineers Western NC Waters. �d� STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 4 o The FLUSA falls within the WS-III Cheoah River Water Supply Watershed of the Little Tennessee River Basin.This river basin includes 5 sub-watersheds: Stecoah Creek (060102020502), Panther Creek(060102020501),Tulula Creek(060102040101), Santeetlah Lake (060102040106), and Sweetwater Creek(060102040102). o The FLUSA contains 100-Year flood zones which correspond with the above water features. Summary of the growth trends occurring/expected, and development regulations • Over two-thirds of Graham County is owned by the US Forest Service, severely limiting opportunities for development within the county. In addition,there are no known developments planned within the FLUSA. • The Graham County Watershed Ordinance applies protections to watersheds as designated by the NC Environment Management Commission. • NCDEQ's 2018 Little Tennessee River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP) identifies 19 watersheds as Targeted Local Watersheds (TLW)for stream and wetland restoration.This includes the Tulula Creek and Sweetwater Creek watersheds within the FLUSA, which provide water supply for Robbinsville. Summary of the Indirect Effects Matrix results Indirect Effects Matrix Result • The FLUSA was analyzed in the below Screening Matrix in order to consider Land Use Scenario potential indirect effects of the project. Based on the information gathered, many Assessment Not Likely of the categories on the screening tool results in a moderate to low concern for indirect effects potential. Analysis of the FLUSA suggests that a Land Use Scenario LUSA Warranted Assessment (LUSA) is not likely needed due to the large portion of the project on ❑ Yes existing roadways, minimal travel time savings provided by the project, lack of ❑x No development and water/sewer services in the FLUSA, and the small amount of developable land.The project will not cause significant indirect and cumulative effects on the human and natural environment. o Scope of Project: Low The proposed project includes both new location and improve existing segments, and the final project may be a combination of both. However, the scope of the project does not, or minimally, alter access to developable land. o Time Travel Savings: Low Time travel savings is estimated at between 0 and 3 minutes. o Forecasted Population Growth: Low According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), population in Graham County is expected to decrease 0.35%from the year 2020 to 2037,with an annualized growth rate of-0.02%. o Forecasted Employment Growth: Low According to the NC Department of Commerce-Labor and Economic Division,the annualized employment projection for the Waynesville- Franklin region is 0.8%. o Available Land: Medium-Low Approximately 16%of the FLUSA is available for development. In addition, approximately 24%of the FLUSA is available land weighted by how easy or challenging it would be to develop the land based on the ratio of available land to number of owners. J. STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 5 o Water/Sewer Availability: Low A majority of the FLUSA is served by well water and septic tanks. Water and sewer lines are located in downtown Robbinsville and include a 12" water main and 12" sewer main. There are no plans to build or expand water lines or wastewater treatment facilities in the area in the next 10 years. o Market for Development: Low Due to the small amount of developable land in the FLUSA and declining future Graham County population forecasts, future development is anticipated to be limited to infill development and redevelopment of existing developed parcels.Visioning plans currently in place are unfunded with no funding schedule on the horizon. o Public Policy: Medium-Low Public policy includes the Graham County Watershed Ordinance and NCDEQ's 2018 Little Tennessee River Basin Restoration Priorities. o Notable Natural Environmental Features: Low The FLUSA contains unfragmented forest areas, sensitive USFS management areas,the Cheoah River WS-III water supply watershed, 305(b) streams, DWR trout waters, WRC public mountain trout waters, DEQ trout streams, and USACE Western NC Waters. Summary statement of findings in the report • Based on the results of the Indirect Effects Screening Matrix, a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not likely needed to assess the potential indirect land use changes associated with the proposed project. Given the small amount of developable land, limited water and sewer services, and lack of development and growth occurring and projected in the FLUSA,the project is not anticipated to cause indirect effects. It is unlikely the proposed project would have a large-scale influence over the type or rate of development within the FLUSA. • Qualitative analysis of the probable development patterns in the FLUSA indicate there is a small amount of developable land. Waterbodies in the FLUSA are protected by local and state regulations that manage water quality impacts associated with development.Any direct natural environmental impacts by NCDOT projects would be addressed by avoidance, minimization, and mitigation consistent with programmatic agreements with the natural resource agencies during the Merger and Permitting processes. • The absence of notable public or private actions planned for the FLUSA, including other major transportation projects, private residential developments, public water/sewer expansions, or new/expanded commercial developments strongly limit anticipated cumulative effects from the proposed A-0009C project.The vast areas of land in Graham County preserved by the USFS or being managed by others (including tribal lands) also curtails the potential for cumulative effects outside of areas adjacent to the proposed roadway.The potential for new residential and commercial development contributing cumulatively to impacts in the vicinity of Robbinsville is strongly dependent on expanding water and sewer capacity,which is not foreseeable. Without a strong external source of economic demand,the study area is highly unlikely to urbanize to the point where cumulative effects are a notable concern. J. Figure 1 — FLUSA • i. * za C E,:4p- M!.fnr.ini-.1r)r; i kndurlle �� ,, .o--p1�rr _J 111 - -. *jer a' F' i 'y rr\ rr c t r r _ . - as ` -^If ak - .. . 1pir ati • r i,P]/ n rt pl 5141-03 \............ , •. 40 dsr >L C4g' �I �r� } ti a i129 - J• { fq -f Cheaah • r w ❑~ 8 •v eso 93e Berl • { • • inset 1-Downtown Robbinsville i 111 \ i r • yUcM'" -. 1li r r —'+,mod:? • • Robt•i •insville ` • � 4-6 # i a • )I( . .t • :125, 1ti ti l at- Erxiit n - h 4 0.c:s�7nos�or rurrl • Legend NC DEPARTMENTOFTR4NSPORTAT1ON E�,_aa,�Future Land Use Study Area 0 HUC 12 Watersheds Appalachian Trail i+�1•I DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS J-N^ DrASIOH 14 _ ■ - (FLUSA) ^�.Select Pipel6ridgeslCulverts -LWCF Park ��� R �� Improve Existing HCD6T-Qiuisim 14 x.urmaiaii.a+ doi�� ■li/ � yg Potential Jurisdictional Existing Road L rt1rr�r�*/;.iy lk �6 I S-2 Intermittent Stream Corridor K Improvements 110144.41111al SW-1A Potential Junsdiction al Perennial STIPPralec[ND.A-I]W2C THo 40111M R-1E Stream 1 1 Mr National Forest System Lands ''=•NH6 Hydrography Future Land Use Study Area)FLUSA) s 6 —Graham County 0 Water Supply Watershed Al Trail of Tears Project Initiation Pertinent Land Use and Transportation Plans Plan Title Horizon Year Planning Boundary 2015 Graham County CTP 2040 Graham County 2014 Graham County Strategic Tourism Plan 2025 Graham County 2013 Robbinsville Pedestrian - Connectivity Plan & Health Assessment Town of Robbinsville 2012 Reimagining Robbinsville - Town of Robbinsville 2014 Opt In:The Regional Vision 2035 Cherokee,Clay,Graham, Haywood,Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties& EBCI lands Identify project stakeholders Affiliation Name Email Phone Response (Y/N) Town of Robbinsville Steve Hooper s.hooper@townofrobbinsville.com 828-479-3250 N Rose 828-586-1962 N; Provided input at RPO Bauguess rose@regiona.org ext. 213 stakeholder outreach Feb 2019 Graham County Manager& N; Provided input at Becky Garland Becky.Garland@grahamcounty.org 828-479-7960 stakeholder outreach Information Feb 2019 Technology Graham County Planning and Sophia Paulos Sophia.Paulos@grahamcounty.org 828-479-7984 N Economic Development Graham County Travel N; Provided input at and Tourism Daniel Allison daniel.allison@grahamcounty.org 828-479-3790 stakeholder outreach Feb 2019 Graham County Shaun Shaun.garrison@grahamcounty.org 828-479-7609 N Mapping Garrison Town of Robbinsville Chadd c.carpenter@townofrobbinsville.com 828-735-0180 Y Carpenter Future Land Use Study Area ❑X Map Provide a written description or the boundary selected for the FL USA. Provide supporting evidence as to why this included area was selected. in the Executive The Future Land Use Study Area (FLUSA) boundary spans in the west from HUC 12 watershed Summary boundaries and NHD hydrography south of Robbinsville on US 129, hydrological boundaries to the north, following ridge lines south and west to the AT, and continuing east to the existing four-lane section of NC 28 in Stecoah. STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 8 Base Screening Project Overview ❑x NEW location Prepare a summary of the project details and note whether the project is on new location or an existing ❑x EXISTING alignment. alignment The proposed improvements to this section of Corridor K along US 129, NC 143, and NC 28 extend from Robbinsville to Stecoah in Graham County. The proposed improvements include both new location and improved existing options.The Draft 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) identifies this portion of the proposed project as A-0009C(which includes the previously designated 'B' portion from Robbinsville to Cheoah). Time Horizon ❑ Short Horizon; Discuss how this time horizon relates to the time horizons of the identified land use and transportation 5-10 years plans pertinent to the FLUSA. El Medium Horizon; This timeframe is compatible with long-range transportation plans as well as long-term planning 11-20 years horizons for other infrastructure needs (i.e.,water, sewer, utilities) and land use plans as listed ❑ Long Horizon; in the Pertinent Land Use and Transportation Plans table above.This report references the 2015 21-30 years Graham County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP)which has a time horizon of 2040,the 2014 Graham County Strategic Tourism Plan,the 2013 Robbinsville Pedestrian Connectivity Plan & Health Assessment, 2012 Reimagining Robbinsville, and 2014 Opt In:The Regional Vision which has a time horizon of 2035. Other Transportation, Infrastructure, and Active Development Projects in the FLUSA El Present within List the other notable projects underway or foreseeable in the area. the FLUSA ❑ Not present One funded NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) project falls within the within the FLUSA FLUSA(Appendix A, Figure 1). STIP Project U-5866, located in the FLUSA, proposes the El Map included construction of a new route from US 129 to Robbinsville High School and Middle School, in Appendix A including the construction of a bridge over Cheoah River. Right-of-way acquisition is completed, and construction is currently underway.An additional unfunded STIP project, R-5839E,falls within the FLUSA. STIP Project R-5839E proposes upgrading NC 28 from SR 1242 (Lower Tuskeegee Road)to NC 143. No additional active developments in the FLUSA are known at this time.Attempts to contact Graham County and Town of Robbinsville officials were made, and a record of communication is included in Appendix B. Population Trends and Projections Indirect Effects Matrix Ranking Document and provide support for the annualized rate of population growth or decline expected in the FLUSA to the time horizon for the study. ❑ High ❑ Med.-High According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), population in ❑ Medium Graham County is expected to decrease 0.35%from year 2020 to 2037, with an annualized ❑ Med.-Low growth rate of-0.02%.The block groups containing the FLUSA experienced a 1%annualized ® Low growth from 2000 to 2010.This growth rate is higher than Robbinsville which experience a 1.8% decline in population but lower than the North Carolina average annualized growth rate of 1.7%. �d� STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 9 Employment Trends and Projections Indirect Effects Matrix Ranking Document and provide support for the rate of annualized job growth expected in the FLUSA to the time horizon for the study. ❑ High ❑ Med.-High According to the NC Department of Commerce-Labor and Economic Division,the annualized E Medium employment projection for the Waynesville-Franklin region is 0.8%. 67%of employed Graham E Med.-Low County residents commute to jobs outside of the county.Additionally, 1,000 jobs in Graham ® Low County are filled by workers that commute in from other counties,with most commuting from Cherokee County.All paved roads into and out of Graham County are primarily two-lane and there is an inability to pass slower vehicles over substantial distances (up to 19 miles). The current inability to pass is prohibitive to commuters traveling out of Graham County and could result in lower numbers of workers living in Graham County. The project proposes to improve mobility and reliability by providing opportunities to pass slow moving vehicles, which will benefit commuters traveling into Graham County, helping to maintain an available workforce for future economic development opportunities. Notable Human Environmental Features X❑ Map included List the notable human environmental features in the FL USA. in Appendix A There are two known Section 4(f) resources, one Section 6(f) resource, and two recreational resources in the FLUSA.Any resource determined by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)to be eligible for listing on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) would qualify as a Section 4(f) resource. • The Appalachian Trail, a potential Section 4(f) recreational resource,traverses the FLUSA in a north-south direction, crossing NC 143 west of Stecoah.The Appalachian Trail is a 2,192-mile trail that spans across fourteen states from Maine to Georgia with an average of 3 million visits annually. • The Trail of Tears, a potential Section 4(f) resource, which likely paralleled the current Main Street and Five Point Road (SR 1275) in Robbinsville, served as a main route for the forced relocation of Native Americans from North Carolina to west of the Mississippi River.' • Graham County Park located on US 129 south of Robbinsville adjacent to Phillips Airport and west of Old Tallulah Road (SR 1206) is a Section 6(f) resource. • Fort Montgomery served as a base for North Carolina troops for the removal of Cherokee Indians in 1883.The location is unknown, but is thought to be on West Fort Hill Road south of Old Mother Church near the water tower.2 • Brown Fork Shelter is located along the Appalachian Trail. It is approximately 0.8 miles north of existing NC 143 at its closest point.Thru-hikers use it to stay dry in wet weather and to sleep at night as they make their way up or down the trail. A total of 250 shelters like this one are located roughly 8 miles apart along the Appalachian Trail. • Parts of the Nantahala National Forest are located within the eastern portion of the FLUSA.As the largest of the North Carolina National Forests, it covers 531,148 acres and gives visitors the opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, bird watching and camping, and other outdoor activities. 1 North Carolina Trail of Tears Association.Web. February 15,2020. http://www.nctrailoftears.org/about-the-trail/ 2 Town of Robbinsville. The Courthouse. Web. http://www.townofrobbinsville.com/MDB%20Blog/courthouse.html STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 10 There are eight churches located in the FLUSA: • Old Mother Church, located on Old Mother Church Road in Robbinsville, was founded in 1872 and is Graham County's oldest church. • Robbinsville United Methodist, located at 249 W. Fort Hill Road in Robbinsville. • Grace-Mountainside Lutheran, located at 129 S. Main Street in Robbinsville. • First Baptist Church, located at 101 Church Street in Robbinsville. • Sweetwater Baptist is located at 98 Beech Creek Road. • Stecoah Baptist Church is located at 89 Hyde Town Road in Stecoah. • Dry Creek Baptist Church is located off Dry Creek Road. • Prince of Peace Catholic Church is located at 704 Tallulah Road. There are seven cemeteries located within the FLUSA: • Old Mother Church Cemetery on Old Mother Church Road in Robbinsville • Holloway Cemetery on Denton Farm Road • Rice Cemetery on Rice Ridge Road • Hazie Brown Cemetery on Cody Branch Road • Jenkins Cemetery on Hyde Town Road • Randolph Cemetery on Lower Stecoah Road • Edwards Cemetery on Lower Stecoah Road There are four schools in the FLUSA: • Robbinsville Elementary School is located at 54 Moose Branch Road in downtown Robbinsville and has an enrollment of approximately 650 students. • Robbinsville Middle School is located at 301 Sweetwater Road with an enrollment of approximately 200 students. • Robbinsville High School is located on 301 Sweetwater Road with an enrollment of approximately 350 students. The middle and high schools share a campus. • Tri County Community College (Graham County Center) at 145 Moose Branch Road in downtown Robbinsville serves "convenient, affordable access to educational services for Graham County residents."' Additional human environment resources include: • The Graham County Fire Department is located at 70 W Fort Hill Road.This station serves the six-mile district which includes the Towns of Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah. • The Stecoah Fire Department is located at 30 Lloyd and Lydia Drive in Robbinsville.This department provides rescue in all levels including EMS transport and EMS training. • The Graham County Courthouse, located at 12 N. Main Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a memorial to veterans.The Courthouse hosts community events, such as "Music on the Square" and houses the governmental 3 Tri County Community College.Graham County Center.https://www.tricountycc.edu/about-tccc/facilities/#gcc.Web accessed 11/8/2019. STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 • page 11 departments for Graham County(recreation, economic development, Board of Commissioners, etc.). A new courthouse is planned along West Fort Hill Road. • The Graham County Travel and Tourism Office is located at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass in Robbinsville. It serves as a tourist information center for visitors looking for recreation and other outdoor activities. • The Graham County Sheriffs Department is located at 300 Rodney Orr Bypass in Robbinsville. • Robbinsville Town Hall located at 4 Court Street in Robbinsville. It provides residents with a place to access the Town Council, ask administrative questions or report a water problem to the Water District Department. • The Stecoah Valley Center is located at 121 School House Road and functions as a multiuse cultural center that promotes the preservation of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.They host community service campaigns, after-school programs, concerts, craft classes, Cherokee Language classes, a large art gallery and traditional music programs.The art gallery serves as a visitor's center to guide tourists to lodging, dining and recreation options in the area. • The Junaluska Memorial at 1 Junaluska Memorial Drive,just east of downtown Robbinsville, is the burial site of Junaluska a Cherokee leader from the 1800s.There is a short medicinal walking trail at the memorial site. • The Graham County Senior Center located at 185 West Fort Hill Road provides services to senior citizens such as daily games, dancing, home crafts, health and nutrition workshops, and referral services. • The Graham County Public Library at 80 Knight Street in downtown Robbinsville is open Tuesday through Saturday each week. Notable human environmental features can be viewed in Appendix A Figure 2. Notable Natural Environmental Features Indirect Effects Matrix Ranking The Nantahala National Forest,which is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service (USFS), covers approximately two-thirds of Graham County. As such, the FLUSA is home to ❑ High unfragmented forest areas and pristine headwater systems.The FLUSA contains sensitive USFS ❑ Med.-High E Medium management areas which restrict vehicular use due to protected species. However, any land E Med.-Low use changes in the Nantahala Forest would be subject to a determination by the US Forest ® Low Service that the use is compatible with the US Forest Service Management Plan. Significant adverse effects would not likely be approved by the US Forest Service. X❑ Map included According to the Natural Resources Technical Report prepared for this project,there are 22 in Appendix A potential jurisdictional streams, 11 surface waters, and 76 potential jurisdictional wetlands within the natural resources project study area.As the FLUSA is larger than the natural resources project study area, this information is supplemented with GIS-based data as follows. The streams and associated branches within the FLUSA include 25 305(b) streams, 5 NC Division of Water Resources (DWR)Trout Waters, 100 WRC Public Mountain Trout Waters, 9 NC Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ)trout streams, and 50 US Army Corps of Engineers Western NC Waters.These waters include from west to east: Wiggins Mill Branch, Poison Branch, Long Creek, Atoah Creek, Moose Branch,Tulula Creek, Mauney Branch, Cheoah River, Long Branch, Stillhouse Branch, Slay Bacon Branch, Holloway Branch, Pigpen Branch, Harwood Branch, Sweetwater Creek, Pinhook Branch, Davis Branch, Beech Creek, South Fork Beech Creek, Rines Creek, North Fork Beech Creek, Orr Branch, Stillhouse Branch, Cody Branch, Johnson Gap Branch, Carver Branch, Stecoah Creek, Edwards Branch, Dry Creek, Wolf Creek, Reid Branch, and Shell Stand Creek. �d� STIP A-0009C • Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 • page 12 The FLUSA falls within the WS-III Cheoah River Water Supply Watershed of the Little Tennessee River Basin.This river basin includes 5 sub-watersheds: Stecoah Creek (060102020502), Panther Creek(060102020501),Tulula Creek(060102040101), Santeetlah Lake (060102040106), and Sweetwater Creek(060102040102). The FLUSA contains 100-Year flood zones which correspond with the above water features. Notable natural environmental features can be viewed in Appendix A Figure 3. Analytical Screening Impact/ Presence Degree of Anticipated impact Scope of the Project Scope of the Project Elements Indirect Project Type Effects Matrix Provide a narrative description of the scope of the project in terms of Ranking Transportation Impact Causing Activities(TICAs). Check the appropriate ❑ Interchange Modification boxes for the scope of project elements to the right. E Creation of Interchange CI High ❑X Roadway Widening CI Med.-High The proposed project includes both new location and improve ❑ Medium existingsegments, and the final project maybe a combination of ® Roadway on New Location g ❑ Med.-Low both.The Design Options section included in the Executive Summary Project Scale ❑x Low above details the proposed improvements associated with each Length alternative. Regardless,the scope of the project does not, or ❑ Interchange Project minimally, alter access to developable land. ❑ Roadway Project 0—2 miles ❑ Roadway Project 2—4 miles O Roadway Project >4 miles Right-of-Way O Project within existing ROW O Project requires additional ROW Travel Time Savings Indirect Effects Matrix Document estimated travel time savings associated with the project. Ranking While the addition of passing lanes will result in increased mobility,the proposed improvements are ❑ High not anticipated to have notable travel time savings impacts. Construction of the proposed project is ❑ Med.-High anticipated to create travel time savings estimated between 0 and 3 minutes. A formal travel time ❑ Medium savings study was conducted as a part of this project. ❑ Med.-Low ❑Z Low Water and Sewer Availability ❑X FLUSA will have public Indirect water/sewer service. Effects Matrix Document the existing and planned capacity and current usage at the water Ranking and wastewater treatment plants in the FLUSA. 0 FLUSA will not have public ❑ High The FLUSA is located in Graham County, a rural mountainous county water/sewer service. ❑ Med.-High in western North Carolina.As such, a majority of the FLUSA is served E Medium by well water and septic tanks.According to a phone interview with E Med.-Low the Town of Robbinsville Water District Supervisor, water and sewer © Low lines are limited to downtown Robbinsville, and include a 12" water main and 12" sewer main. © Map included in According to the Robbinsville local water supply planning report Appendix A from NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), Robbinsville's projected gallons per capita per day(GPCD) over time are not anticipated to increase more than 10 GPCD over the next 40 years. STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 • page 13 There are no plans to build or expand water lines or wastewater treatment facilities in the area in the next 10 years. Available Land Land Available for Indirect Development: Undeveloped Effects Matrix Provide a narrative description of available land in the FLUSA and complete (vacant)and underutilized: Ranking the summary to the right of available land and ratio of parcels-to-owners. 2,766 acres ❑ High A GIS analysis of available land was conducted and determined ❑ Med.-High approximately 2,766 acres of the FLUSA are available for Developed/Unavailable Land: ❑ Medium development. This comprises approximately 16%of the total FLUSA 14,884 acres ❑x Med.-Low area. In addition, a Parcel-to-Owner ratio of 2.16 to 1 was calculated ❑ Low for the FLUSA, indicating 24%available land weighted by how easy Ratio of Parcels-to-Owners: or challenging it would be to develop the land based on the ratio of ❑x Ma available land to number of owners. 2.16 to 1 p included in Appendix A Market for Development: Current Development Pressures Document the current development pressures and trends in the FLUSA. Graham County historically has maintained a high unemployment rate. According to Access NC,the unemployment rate for Graham County in 2018 was 5.9%, compared to an unemployment rate of 3.9%for North Carolina.' Most recently, employment was affected by the closure of the Stanley Furniture plant in 2014, which resulted in a loss of over 300 jobs. While Oak Valley Hardwoods has since purchased the Stanley Furniture plant,the plant only employs approximately 23 people and exports hardwoods to Asia. Over two-thirds of Graham County is owned by the US Forest Service, severely limiting opportunities for development within the county. Graham County is a member of the Mountain West Partnership which advocates for economic development in western North Carolina and Indirect assisted with the development of Balsam West Fiber in Robbinsville. Robbinsville has been selected Effects Matrix to participate in the Downtown Strong Initiative of the NC Main Street& Rural Planning Center, Ranking which provides economic and revitalization support.' ❑ High ❑ Med.-High Attempts were made to contact Graham County local officials to confirm the team's understanding ❑ Medium of planning initiatives as noted in Appendix B; however, no responses were received at the time this ❑ Med.-Low document was prepared. ❑x Low Market for Development: Development Market Assumptions Note how the current development trends will likely project into the design year. Due to the lack of available land in the FLUSA, future development is anticipated to be limited to redevelopment of existing structures. However, new location design options (I.e., S-2) and improved local routes (I.e., R-1E) may provide/improve access to areas which are currently non-accessible, which in turn could encourage new development. While there are several visioning plans in place such as Reimagining Robbinsville and the Graham County Strategic Tourism Plan, projects proposed in these plans are currently unfunded with no funding schedule on the horizon. °Access NC.Demographic Reports.Web.https://accessnc.nccommerce.com/DemoGraphicsReports/ UNC School of Government.NC Commerce Kicks Off Downtown Strong Initiative.https://ced.sog.unc.edu/nc-commerce-kicks-off-the-downtown-strong-initiative/. Web accessed:11/12/2019. �d� STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 • page 14 Public Policy Indirect Effects Matrix Collect and summarize pertinent local,state and federal plans,policies, and development regulations in the Ranking jurisdictions contained in the FL USA. ❑ High The Graham County Watershed Ordinance applies protections to watersheds as designated by the ❑ Med.-High NC Environment Management Commission. Protections to the Cheoah River WSW include ❑ Medium restricting development to low to moderate intensity with a maximum of one dwelling unit per acre ❑x Med.-Low for single family residential zoning and a maximum of 12% built-upon area per parcel for all other E Low residential and non-residential zoning areas. It should be noted the Graham County Economic Development website states "Graham County has NO ZONING laws or ordinances" and there is no Unified Development Ordinance for the FLUSA.6 NCDEQ's 2018 Little Tennessee River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP)targets 19 watersheds as Targeted Local Watersheds (TLW)for stream and wetland restoration.This includes the Tulula Creek and Sweetwater Creek watersheds within the FLUSA, which provide water supply for Robbinsville.According to the 2018 RBRP,the Graham County Soil and Water Conservation District is working with local residents to install best management practices to improve stream quality. Indirect Effects Matrix Methodology The categories listed on the Indirect Effects Matrix(refer to Figure 2)have been shown to influence land development decisions in numerous areas statewide and nationally. The measures used to rate the impacts from a high concern for indirect effects potential to less concern for indirect effects potential are supported by documentation sections. Each characteristic is assessed individually and the results of the table are looked at comprehensively to determine the indirect effects potential of the proposed project. The scope of the project and change in accessibility categories are given extra-weight to determine if future growth in the area is related to the project modifications. Matrix Results Indirect Effects Matrix Summarize the results of the matrix. Discuss the primary factors that affected the result. Clearly Result note the end result of the tool and whether a land use scenario assessment is warranted. Land Use Scenario Assessment Not Likely The FLUSA was analyzed in the below Screening Matrix in order to consider potential indirect effects of the project. Based on the information gathered, many of the LUSH Warranted categories on the screening tool results in a moderate to low concern for indirect effects potential. Given the likely improve existing scope of the project, minimal travel time ❑ Yes savings provided by the project, lack of development and water/sewer services in the ❑x No FLUSA, and a small amount of developable land, a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not likely needed to determine indirect effects which will occur as a result of the project. As such,the conclusion of this report is a "Land Use Scenario Assessment Not Likely". e Graham County Economic Development.Business Incentives.http://grahamcountyedc.org/business-incentives/.Web accessed:11/8/2019. STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 15 Figure 2— Indirect Effects Matrix Forecasted Forecasted Notable Natural Scope of Travel Time Water/Sewer Market for Population Employment Available Land Public Policy Environmental Project Savings Growth Growth Availability Development Features Rating >3% >3% Services Notable >10 minute 40%or greater Development Less stringent; High travel time annualized annualized of available available Activity no growth Feature(s): More savings population employment land (80- 100%of Abundant management Abundant/ Concern growth growth FLUSA served) More Sensitive High Medium- High Medium Medium- X X Low Low X X X X X X X Less Limited or no Concern No service More Notable No population Feature No No travel time employment 0-9%of available now stringent; Feature(s): Low growth or Development savings decline growth or available land or in future(0- Activity growth Minimal/Less decline 20%of FLUSA management Sensitive served) STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 16 Analyze and Evaluate Data If the Indirect Effects Matrix denotes that a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not warranted, then go to Procedure A. If the Indirect Effects Matrix denotes that a Land Use Scenario Assessment is possible or warranted, go to Procedure B. Procedure A If the Indirect Effects Matrix denotes that a Land Use Scenario Assessment is warranted, then follow Procedure B below and delete Procedure A. Indirect Summary Statement Develop a summary statement of the findings in the ICE Report. Based on the results of the Indirect Effects Screening Matrix, a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not likely needed to assess the potential indirect land use changes associated with the proposed project. Given the small amount of developable land, limited water and sewer services, and lack of development and growth in the FLUSA,the project is not anticipated to cause indirect effects. It is unlikely the proposed project would have a large-scale influence over the type or rate of development within the FLUSA. Water Quality Statement Modify the standard water quality effects language provided in the ICE Guidance Document to fit the project Qualitative analysis of the probable development patterns in the FLUSA indicate there is limited available land for development.Waterbodies in the FLUSA are protected by local and state regulations that manage water quality impacts associated with development. Any direct natural environmental impacts by NCDOT projects would be addressed by avoidance, minimization, and mitigation consistent with programmatic agreements with the natural resource agencies during the Merger and Permitting processes. Cumulative Effects Summary Statement Summarize the notable past public and private actions, including transportation and other infrastructure as applicable, in the FL USA. The absence of notable public or private actions planned for the FLUSA, including other major transportation projects, private residential developments, public water/sewer expansions, or new/expanded commercial developments strongly limit anticipated cumulative effects from the proposed A-0009C project.The vast areas of land in Graham County preserved by the USFS or being managed by others (including tribal lands) also curtails the potential for cumulative effects outside of areas adjacent to the proposed roadway.The potential for new residential and commercial development contributing cumulatively to impacts in the vicinity of Robbinsville is strongly dependent on expanding water and sewer capacity,which is not foreseeable. Without a strong external source of economic demand,the study area is highly unlikely to urbanize to the point where cumulative effects are a notable concern. Develop Recommendations Provide recommendations on the types of actions local governments could take to proactively resolve or address the higher concern areas on the Indirect Effects Matrix. Techniques for regulating and managing growth available to local governments to address development in the FLUSA include zoning, comprehensive planning, and growth management regulation. Growth management regulation could include development moratoria, the development of an urban growth boundary, or extraterritorial zoning/annexation. STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 17 Sources Access NC. Demographic Reports.Web. https://accessnc.nccommerce.com/DemoGraphicsReports/ Appalachian Trail Conservancy,The Trail is Waiting. 2019. https://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail.Web accessed:8/15/2019. Carolina Public Press.Graham County:Where the national forest drives the economy.June 25,2018. https: /carolinapublicpress.org/27986/graham-county-where-the-national-forest-drives-the-economy/.Web accessed 11/6/2019. Discover Mass. Prince of Peace Catholic Church. https://discovermass.com/church/prince-of-peace-robbinsville-nc/.Web accessed: 11/8/2019. Grace Mountainside Church.Welcome.2001. http://www.luther95.com/GMLEF-RNC/welcome.html.Web accessed: 10/22/2019. Graham County. Comprehensive Transportation Plan.2015. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/corridor-k/Documents/graham- ctp-final-report.pdf.Web accessed:9/6/2019. Graham County. Emergency Services. 2019. http://grahamcounty.org/emergency-services/.Web accessed:8/16/2019. Graham County.Transportation Department. 2019. http://grahamcountytransit.org/.Web accessed:8/15/2019 Graham County.Sheriff. 2019. http://grahamcounty.org/sheriff/.Web accessed:8/15/2019 Graham County.Strategic Tourism Plan Destination 2025. 2014. https://regiona.org/wp-content/uploads/Graham-County- Strategic-Tourism-Plan.pdf.Web accessed:9/6/2019. Graham County.Senior Center. http://grahamcounty.org/senior-center/.Web accessed: 11/8/2019. Graham County. Graham County Watershed Protection Ordinance. March 24, 2010. http://grahamcounty.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/01/WatershedOrdinance.pdf.Web accessed: 11/11/2019. Graham County Economic Development. Business Incentives. http://grahamcountyedc.org/business-incentives/.Web accessed: 11/8/2019. Graham County Economic Development.Schools. http://grahamcountyedc.org/schools/.Web accessed: 11/11/2019. Graham County Travel.Things to Do.2019. https://grahamcountytravel.com/business-categories/things-to- do/?fwp location=robbinsville.Web accessed:8/16/2019. GrahamCounty.net.Church History in Graham County. http://www.grahamcounty.net/GCHistory/09- churchhistory/churchhistory.htm.Web accessed:8/15/2019. Greenville News.Lumber exporter in talks to buy NC plant.August 29, 2014. https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/money/business/2014/08/29/lumber-exporter-talks-buy-nc- plant/14783893/.Web accessed 11/8/2019. Litesmith.Trail Lingo. 2019. https://www.litesmith.com/trail-lingo/.Web accessed:8/17/2019. Hike the South.Cheoah Bald vis Stecoah Gap. 2018. https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/cheoah-bald-via-stecoah-gap.Web accessed:8/15/2019. Mountain West. Our Region. http://gownc.org/our-region/.Web accessed 11/8/19. North Carolina Trail of Tears Association.Web. February 15,2020. http://www.nctrailoftears.org/about-the-trail/ NCDEQ. Little Tennessee River Basin Restoration Priorities.Amended July 2018. https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Mitigation%20Services/Watershed Planning/Little Tenn River Basin/RBRP-LTN- 2018.pdf.Web accessed 11/12/2019. NCDWR. Robbinsville Local Water Supply Plans. https://www.ncwater.org/Water Supply Planning/Local Water Supply Plan/report.php?pwsid=01-38- 010&year=2018.Web accessed: 11/5/2019. NCDOT. Guidelines and Procedures for Processing Requests related to STAA Vehicles. 6/20/2018. https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/trucking/Trucking%20Documents/STAA Guidelines and Procedures.pdf.Web accessed: 10/22/2019. NCDOT. NCDOT Current 2018-2027 STIP Map, March 2019. http://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=cb02f4f828974670ad01bb83be91b18c.Web accessed:10/22/2019. NCDOT. North Carolina Truck Network.2019. https://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=a8f091b8fadc4c5d8bb905bf44556a5d.Web accessed: 10/22/2019. Public Broadcasting System.The Trail of Tears. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h1567.html.Web accessed:8/16/2019. STIP A-0009C ♦ Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 ♦ page 18 Robbinsville First Baptist Church. Event Calendar. 2017. http://robbinsvillefbc.org/index.html.Web accessed:8/19/2019. Robbinsville,Town of.The Courthouse. 2018. http://www.townofrobbinsville.com/MDB%20Blog/courthouse.html.Web accessed:8/16/2019. Robbinsville,Town of. Robbinsville Pedestrian Connectivity Plan and Health Impact Assessment.7/2013. http://www.grahamcounty.net/great/ATT00003.pdf.Web accessed:9/6/2019. Robbinsville,Town of.Junaluska Memorial. http://www.townofrobbinsville.com/MDB%20Blog/iunaluska.html.Web accessed: 11/8/2019. Robbinsville United Methodist Church. Missions.2019. https://www.robbinsvilleumc.com/missions.html Web accessed: 8/15/2019. State Library.Graham County Public Library. https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/Id/about-libraries/library-directory/graham- county-public-library.Web accessed 11/8/2019. Stecoah Baptist Church.Church Services. 2019. https://www.stecoahbaptistchurch.org/svc.html.Web accessed:8/16/2019. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. Events Calendar. 2019. https://www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/events.html.Web accessed: 10/22/2019. Steven Manson,Jonathan Schroeder, David Van Riper,and Steven Ruggles. IPUMS National Historical Geographic Information System:Version 13.0[Database]. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota. 2018. http://doi.org/10.18128/D050.V13.0 Census 2000/Census 2010 Time Series Tables Geographically Standardized Town of Robbinsville. The Courthouse. Web. http://www.townofrobbinsville.com/MDB%20BIog/courthouse.html Tri County Community College.Graham County Center. https://www.tricountycc.edu/about-tccc/facilities/#gcc.Web accessed 11/8/2019. UNC School of Government. NC Commerce Kicks Off Downtown Strong Initiative. https://ced.sog.unc.edu/nc-commerce-kicks- off-the-downtown-strong-initiative/.Web accessed: 11/12/2019. U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Interactive map.2019. https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html?minx=- 9518694&miny=3794497&maxx=-9233431&maxy=4207563&exploremenu=yes.Web accessed:8/16/2019. U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Nantahala National Forest. 2019. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48634.Web accessed:8/15/2019. U.S. News and World Report. Robbinsville High.2019. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/north- carolina/districts/graham-county-schools/robbinsville-high-14444.Web accessed: 10/22/2019. Appendix Items A. Maps B. Interviews C. Photographs STIP A-0009C • Graham County ♦ INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT ♦ April 2020 • page 19 Appendix A: Maps Appendix A, Map 1: Other Transportation, Infrastructure, and Active Development Projects in the FLUSA „,c,c). .., . . ,rr I HEQAH ISMf7r11NTA1NS ii '. a 1. .•Nffn.rr ,� 1 4y D.1 1. •jj r .r 1 v Ilr ol.11i l y _ Lill -t .I I�� Gy N i'' 1as _ . Stecoah _�. -r�Ancy.�a a+ - nYil]tali a° . • - mil 1 • J f -#: CO 0.ti • f` // / Cheaah - { 1 1 *: r 1d3 L, .j� '129 81']fi , r- r , I rlrr ,_,1 41atx C.'^,v • .Y r -:7.Ins.11l' ar r �6 .yfi't� Robbinsville� • ' 7 143, "q�` - soUtlt F., trrr r �,..� • is 4t-3�� „ri" ` Qs f` '.� � }tea.•w L F+�bM'I r �'gr • .. .1 RA itr� S i�f+•,. EK. i■ - I 0 • r N a •- I.f 3101 C,F 'Y .�T•i.IV .;r 9� p� 1% '1'1".11 v y''y .129'• •‘ ,,•‘..,,, �‘'�t 7r M1 ,A,.fl ♦ .`. I,, ."r • •'i, t ru orlolaldxwnerd Hze of 1.17Y 4 n Legend . i. NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 5-ri Future Land Use Study Area /`/Existing Road ., ,..1 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS tFLUSA). Potential Jurisdictional Perennial -,.:,_,, DIVISION 1.1 SW-tA Stream NCDOT-Division 14 a a,33,„„ S-2 Potential Jurisdictional Cor.id❑eK Improvements ents I R-1 E Intemlittent Stream STIP TPP Project No.A-011SC E IMI Improve Existing •Select CulvertslPipeslBridges 1 € ,NCDOTSTIP Division Highway Other Transportation,Infrastructure,and Project Active Development Projects a t STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 20 Appendix A, Map 2: Notable Human Environmental Features ti. l ■ „,, N 4 r arc 49rwYer ''a0 #4i, m • A 4 } k y i t aahua Gino riceMwYllr ®9ra ea a0ound 1 1�$\ '� Reno Larrr Ebnnriary ` ..]' r .1sin stole ra, �` .a%. v Cam" •� L,M-'' 7 LLO I * .�.„-- T9 _rPontl a a r' it 28 t.- ).; PI commue Hy callow e /a' I�-5+ti 08h ` r �j L. I Graham Canty1 t .f ��55 oourtnauae _ r ar'alwn counp�lJ� � V !•� n' �Stecoah eap[is[Church PUGIkN«hh ul'_lilt Z nlN vlllr Moe�anr ,. r., y i7 �13 _t tr, I _.a.> . ' FYa[6aa[k1 Chu. + + JY r •L.raoFMo un lac .1.7. l , {�: lsl,ynd Junaluaka f _t. \ .m"'" • 1' rIlC morMl ij If i f cm Mother 4. 4. Cemaleryip ry • ' III 1 129 • u ara tom County �a t rirn Department 4 •-/ _ Edwards Churns Y O.'r'� :i 9_ klppi 1„ t emetery . sou Lam FeH Cheoah - �f ,.. Inset 1-❑ouvnto-wn Robbi nsv it le �+ t Rundol p h • ti y�!� •..�. ' C emeferyl I Sweetwater Baptist Church • • +', 11' �4 ttt r # a ';tr'. / ''ww..elak R L • �r Rohh' sville Middle SW F4;144 ?A. igh Schools a t y y y F4�,/ ecoa .•' t JI.,,,,: \` T tecooh tec� �]• �' s a i f�Valley �rre * .-- a Haile Brown Baptist } � '- {a* r n Center Church` Jenkins T 4 i.. Cemeteryw • Robbin....4 -- i!r t r Cemetery y a Robbinsville United Methodist rr }a a4 r 1' t t $teC ooh Fire ttt 1: i'r r w 7 a irDeparment er � f.�.-N"_ A. Prince of Peaceri .. Inset 2-Stecoah a 'A 5�6 LOCO Feel `% 'Catholic Church * ••7 x -90 � '129 �'•*41 � � I f`/. 2i :r e c to 0r4 '44 y . 1 r ' -` // a+ . :r erer 4 i., Y .At cr 9lm aoc�rer Legend NC DEPARTMENT CF TRANSPORTATION ri Future Land Use Study Area • Junaluska Memorial a Stecoah Valley Center Appalachian Trail ■ Study List individual entry . ; ❑VlsloN of HIGHWAYS (FLUSA) ttt Cemetery /V Trail of Tears A SL and DOE • DIVISION 19 =SW-1A vj, Hazardous Waste Sites 1�r EBCI Tr bal Land Holdin s r Determined Eli Ible-DOE n,:.sxaxc nmabhp ILL sm�a1r el Religious Facility ` g g NCCOT-Division 14 •�«ma-� 5-2 . Natural Heritage Program Areas A DOE,Gone Corridor K Improvements 1 R-1E _ School ' P Inactive Hazardous Sites STIP Project Ho.A-0Og BC Game Lands Surveyed Only „. i =Improve Existing nn Gov Building 2 77 Regional Underground Storage * Potential Historic Property` • Surveyed,Gone iV/ Existing Road -- Graham County Sheriff Tanks NCHPO Points = Surveyed Area center point Notable Human Environmental Features LWCF Park • Fire Dept • Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites • National Register individual listi g F 0 Graham County Public Library "Anal Determination of Eligibility TBD by NCHPO&FHWA STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 21 Appendix A, Map 3: Notable Natural Environmental Features l / 1 z,CF I k ! • � �' }�* Al o • I 05ut -- J ( I k a s *a• l ire ,,,,..\\_. i°^ . y1yt} h� - rA 4 'i' gafr k'. lf1fn ``Y ... . Y, . }Lh \\\ if it 2E l w o $tecoah �* ti k z• 4,1 4i •. / . II '.1. .: .•.‘ . • . lir r'•.,: \'}.." ' k•-'-'4 .. AP Cheoah �f f f .. v* , !. .i. 4c.,....1.-1•N J. ' ( Rohhinsviile '''', '-\\ ._./ ,.."..(---"-F----", '- � • I ,F...,...._,,,..,11_,_017—\\*,„,,,,,,",,. 0-,i, 4.....4.......„.. .4.:0, J l `�},4 1 - `.i.: r1" 'av.k-K0 (1\ r 1 , f\\.. ....\-\\-„ ! �- �.4[�9 .5�3�INftrs of 11x1]7„...___ ,-;.:J Fcc Legend NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Future Land Use Study Area 0 HUC 12 Watersheds Potential Jurisdictional WRC Public Mountain Trout 6 AI omslorl or-UGHWArs '-' Intermittent Stream �`Waters '1. ,.Ec onnsiON 14 {FLLISA) FEMA14aYearFloodplain § =Improve Existing MINWIWetlands `,,..Select Culverts/Pipes/Bridges NCUWR Trout Waters NcooT-Division is i R-1 E Potential Jurisdictional Wetland '•-r 305(b)Streams Cor-idor K Improvements % S-2 Potential Jurisdictional Open NHD Hydrography Fu T PP Project No.A-0o5DC i SW-tA • Water Feature -USACE Western NC Waters _3 4 Pd Existing Road 5'..,Potential Jurisdictional Perennial NCDEO Trout Streams Notable Natural Environmental Features E IO Water Supply Watershed Stream c�• STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 22 Appendix A, Map 4: Water and Sewer Availability S 6 ''' 4) '--1!-- _,:,.,.,, li 9 r:h.EUAM Mn„„,„„vs ,. .} ,, .01,S" y } nrrgq ; y : k, __ y r..i +� k a5° R7 11 �' +rT..R ♦ M r • ■. N f 4e �1�* L 8 • r ��,. `� Neetlan za £esr Bull*ro Gr`� .,., •y iii 5tecaah *y.- 143 4 ) .74%. R* F. atc 1' L,. �'' y+ r Cheaah E• d 4` 43 }* !•12i, its rri' me,Lsa - il 46 Er..,_ -- Robbi risvi Ile' F Os "N.,"...... Velirmtirdi • 4,4 '129., aoL e . L1` r�r+r, 1 Z 0.rek *Y'! � C r 3 ate w • 0 0,®Oy n.L14 5.7b u,ac ♦ ;ce.............._, •�rlr" tee Legend y[ NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION �Future Land Use Study Area Town of Robbinsvige Water and ,J^1 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS (FLUSA) 0 Sewer Service Area ,.... DIVISION 14 +~l 1 ■11IFt:4 C\1 SW-1A vd s ♦yS �d O MI1 NCDOT-Oirision 14 •,*a�mm.dn-a �Agopra i.�r�i*�.� S-2 Conidor K Improvements B ir.*'�Y rVAwe� + w STSP Project No.A-08n9C ■ �flgls1 R-1 E ,,...w @ Vey Improve Existing 4 2 r ,Existing Road Water and Sewer Availability c -Graham County N*d STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 23 Appendix A, Map 5: Available Land 1 -, '•, ..; e , n h r r \ . x 1 ... 1i6:-! lli 4 +�. tis�` .... +r r r n .r r'L- w z ' 0i+. - - : .:,'-.- , t .-- /6Stecoah • •• . ; II ILIIIIIIIIIII117 r yr r + �� sr • f . R r f r^ r•r Robb ° ag .?. r is .' '.1.-• .. ( .14.....141 ...‹- . . , \\ - . ,;....,„.1.7.,,,r- . ..„.... ' - """,-.1.4'j t r .Iti - 5 ' g au,.Hw .-1� ''� • • r • ' ' 07 5 Po . IL, .. . _ r, r.. Legend �� NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 5-r,Future Land Use Study Area Potential Jurisdictional Perennial �LWCF Park DIvISioN OF HIGHWAYS DIVISION 19 c ! *�-■� `* ! [FLUSH) Stream /sI Trail of Tearscrieargeawe. iti�k �m�■[�il�i4� \ SW-7A Potential Jurisdictional al ESCI Tribal Land Holdings NCDOT-Division 1a "4r.��e=. �afti��/'[ 5 2 oirik Intermittent Stream CmridorIS•rnprorements 3 4111 ■wi ,j►!I . it Appalachian Trail STIP Prc=cINo.A-0oaec t Ay Or ri ■l� �/�'1.0 ■ R-]E .. Select Culverts/PipeslEiridges FbM ? ,* ee •-,.. NHD Hydrography National Forest System Lands 5 @ r * Improve •Existing N Existing Road Available Land NW!Wetlands Available Land Graham County FT m FEMA Floodway cr \,d.} STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 24 Appendix B: Interviews 111. ontact Summary#1 Name: Steve Hooper Title: Mayor Agency: Town of Robbinsville Phone: 828-479-3250 Email: s.hooper@townofrobbinsville.com First Contact Date Method(s) Result ❑X Email ❑ Form returned on: Click here to enter a date. ❑X Phone ❑ Interviewed on: Click here to enter a date. 11/5/2019 ❑ In-person X❑ No response Comments: Initial contact made on 11/5/19 but subsequent e-mails and phone calls to receive input made on 11/6/19, 11/7/19, 12/16/19 not returned Interview Contact S Name: Rose Bauguess Title: Senior Planner Agency: Southwestern Commission Phone: 828-586-1962 ext. 213 Email: rose@regiona.org First Contact Date Method(s) Result ❑X Email ❑ Form returned on: Click here to enter a date. O Phone ❑ Interviewed on: Click here to enter a date. 11/7/2019 ❑ In-person X❑ No response Comments: Emailed on 11/7/19 and 12/16/19, called on 11/11/19 Interview Contact Summary#3 Name: Becky Garland Title: County Manager Agency: Graham County Phone: 828-479-7960 Email: Becky.garland@grahamcounty.org First Contact Date Method(s) Result ❑X Email ❑ Form returned on: Click here to enter a date. O Phone ❑ Interviewed on: Click here to enter a date. 11/7/2019 ❑ In-person X❑ No response Comments: Emailed on 11/7/19 and 12/16/19, called on 11/11/19 STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 25 Interview Contact Summary#4 Name: Sophia Paulos Title: Economic Director Agency: Graham County Phone: 828-479-7984 Email: Sophia.paulos@grahamcounty.org First Contact Date Method(s) Result ❑X Email ❑ Form returned on: Click here to enter a date. O Phone ❑ Interviewed on: Click here to enter a date. 11/7/2019 ❑ In-person X❑ No response Comments: Emailed on 11/7 and 12/16/19, called on 11/11 Interview Contact Summary#5 Name: Daniel Allison Title: Director Agency: Graham County Travel and Tourism Phone: 828-479-3790 Email: Daniel.allison@grahamcounty.org First Contact Date Method(s) Result ❑X Email ❑ Form returned on: Click here to enter a date. ❑X Phone ❑ Interviewed on: Click here to enter a date. 11/7/2019 ❑ In-person X❑ No response Comments: Emailed on 11/7 and 12/16/19, called on 11/11 Interview Contact Summary#6 Name: Chadd Carpenter Title: Supervisor Agency: Town of Robbinsville Water District Phone: 828-735-0180 Email: c.carpenter@townofrobbinsville.com First Contact Date Method(s) Result ❑X Email ❑ Form returned on: Click here to enter a date. ❑X Phone X❑ Interviewed on: 11/12/2019 11/12/2019 ❑ In-person ❑ No response Comments: Provided information on water supply coverage STIP A-0009C • Graham County • INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS REPORT • April 2020 • page 26 Appendix C: Photographs Insert pictures taken during fieldwork of the FL USA and notable environmental features. 1 1111111111111111 ._.4 ...,-Nall 1.-.1.riiiimoinlMwep ' .,,,i':f,to?„4..-.-,,;4..0.,,,,,i .. _ � - • ., 11111111b#441,11A':900,- .4,- -' _q.... _._ _...,,,,..,:,,,„ , _ , .___. _ ______ _ _____ _ __ _ ,, _ Figure 1: Old Mother Cemetery Figure 2: Old Mother Church .- . i -- - _ - Opp- i • r Figure 3: Robbinsville High and Middle School building Figure 4: Five Point Road (SR 1275 ) and NC 143 intersection, looking west i0 - ' ' ---- '' . � ( I ' .. . fl ' g r ,I f Figure 5: Graham County Courthouse Figure 6: Viewpoint at Stecoah Gap ,.