4.2.6

4.2.6 Environmental Justice and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
4.2.6.1 Regulations
In 1994, President Clinton signed EO 12898, which directs each federal agency to address, as appropriate,
"disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and
activities on minarity populations and low-income populations." The CEQ, which is charged with ensuring
that all federal agencies comply with NEPA and EO 12898, developed guidance for identifying and
addressing environmental justice issues.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illega] to show discrimination in the conduct of all federal
activities. Specifically, Title VI states that, "I�To person in the United States shall, on the ground of race,
color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."
4.2.6.2 Area Demographics
Although the study area is predominantly a homogeneous population of Caucasians, census data show a
higher percentage of American Indian or Alaska Natives inhabiting the study area census geographies when
compared with the North Carolina percentage. Few other racial or ethnic minorities are represented. United
States Census data show Graham and Swain counties have substantially lower median household incomes
compared with the state, although incomes in the area have increased relative to statewide incomes in recent
years. The composition of the study area is further described in Socioeconomic and Community Features,
Section 3.2.1; the Regional Economic Impacts Technical Report (Appendix F); and the Environmental
Justice Section of the ECR, Section 3.2.2. Relevant historical information, wbich was analyzed to consider
cumulative environmental justice issues, is detailed in Cumulative Impacts, Section 4.1.2, and in the
Environmental Justice Section of the ECR, Section 3.2.2.
4.2.6.3 Summary of Impacts to Minorities and Low-income Populations
Due to the location of the proposed project in GSMNP, no direct impacts to minorities or low-income
populations are expected.
Indirect impacts, such as economic and community impacts, would not result in disproportionately high or
adverse impacts to minorities or low-income populations.
The entire study area population is expected to benefit from economic impacts resulting from the
alternatives. Economic impacts, such as creation of jobs and increased personal income, could be beneficial
to low-income populations. The area's American Indian population wouldbenefit from any synergistic
effects of the action alternatives (all alternatives except for No-Action) on the Cherokee Casino through
increased tourism.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-83
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Residents of Bryson City may be mare affected by traffic, construction, and land use impacts than residents
in other portions of the study area due to proximiry to the eastern project terminus. However, these impacts
would not be expected to result in disproportionately high or adverse effects on minorities or low-income
populations.
None of the alternatives would result in disproportionately high or adverse impacts to minorities or low-
income populations, thus there would be no cumulative disproportionate or adverse impacts resulting from
the proposed alternatives.
4.2.7 Utilities
The No-Action Alternative is not expected to have an impact on utilities. This alternative would not impact
existing utilities or require new utilities.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative may impact local utilities. However, impacts are not known because
they would depend on the use of local funds.
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area Alternative would require electric power for the restroom facility proposed at
the day-use development area.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads) would require electric power
and phone service for the day-use development area, including the restroom facility. Phone service to
Bushnell would require an underground extension from Bryson Ciry.
The Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive and Principal Park Roads) would reqliire electric power at the two
restroom facilities. The baseline alignment of the Northern Shore Corridor follows the Fontana Dam power
line access road (from Fontana Dam west to NC 28). The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would
avoid any impacts to the power line access road.
For each partial-build and build alternative, electric power would be generator-supplied or underground
utility lines would be extended from north of Bryson City. Electric power lines (if extended from Bryson
City) and phone lines would be buried adjacent to the roadway, including the existing Lake View Road in
GSMNP and Fontana Road outside of GSMNP. Water supply and sewer treatment (septic) would be
handled on site at each development area ar facility.
No cumulative effects to utilities were identified.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-84
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement