5.2

5.1 Interagency Meeting No. 1: Scoping (March 12, 2003)
A formal scoping meeting was held on March 12, 2003, at the Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina. The
purpose of the meeting (also called an "Interagency Kickoff Meeting") was to begin coordination, introduce
the study team and the proposed project, review the current project information, initiate discussions, answer
questions, and collect input. Participants included representatives from FHWA, GSMNP, NPS-Southeast
Regional Office (SRO), NPS-Blue Ridge Parkway, NCWRC, USFWS, TVA, USACE, NCDOT, and
ARCADIS. The group discussed the draft Purpose and Need Statement, NEPA "cooperating agencies," the
proposed study area boundary, proposed impact topics, and the concept alternatives that had been suggested
over the past years.
Following the meeting, the TVA and USACE submitted written requests to be included in the NEPA process
as cooperating agencies. Appendix P includes scoping letter responses provided to the NPS.
5.2 Notice of Intent (April 24, 2003)
The NOI to prepare the EIS for the North Shore Road Project in GSMNP was published in the Federal
Register on April 24, 2003 (68FR79). The NOI explained the purpose of the EIS and established the public
scoping process. The scoping process was proposed to elicit public comments regarding the full spectrum of
public issues and concerns, including a suitable range of alternatives, the nature and extent of potential
environmental impacts, and appropriate mitigation strategies.
5.3 Interagency Meeting No. 2: Existing Conditions (September 10, 2003)
The second interagency meeting was held on September 10, 2003, at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in Asheville,
North Carolina. Representatives from FHWA, NPS (GSMNP and SRO), NC SHPO, USACE, NCWRC,
USFWS, TVA, NCDOT, NCDENR, ARCADIS, and TRC Garrow were present at the meeting. A
representative from the NPS Appalachian National Scenic Trail attended via telephone. The purpose of this
interagency meeting was to provide a status update on the project; review public involvement efforts; and
discuss the initial data gathering efforts, study area conditions, and roles of participating and cooperating
agencies. Appendix P includes agency comments related to the ECR.
5.4 Interagency Meeting No. 3: Alternatives Development (March 24 and April 22, 2004)
The third interagency meeting was held on March 24, 2004, at the ARCADIS Building in Raleigh, North
Carolina. Representatives from FHWA, NPS (GSMNP and SRO), NCDWQ, USEPA, NCDOA-State
Clearinghouse, TRC Garrow, ARCADIS, NC SHPO, TVA, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources
(NCDFR), and NCDOT participated in the meeting. Representatives from NPS (AT), USEPA, EBCI-Tribal
Histaric Preservation Office (EBCI-THPO), NCWRC, NC SHPO, USACE, USFWS, and USFS were
present via telephone. The purpose of the meeting was to review information on the development of study
alternatives and initiate discussions.
Two subsequent meetings were held on Apri122, 2004, to follow up on discussions concerning alternatives.
One meeting, requested by the USACE, was held at the USACE offices in Asheville, North Carolina.
Attendees included representatives from FHWA, NPS (GSMNP and SRO), USACE, USEPA, NCWRC,
Agency Consultation and Coordination — 5-2
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement