5.4

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

USFWS, and ARCADIS. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that NPS would send each agency
a letter asking for concurrence on the alternatives proposed to be studied in the EIS.
Also on April 22, 2004, a meeting among NPS, FHWA, and USFS was held at the USFS offices in
Asheville, North Carolina. The USFS advised that its regulations may not permit a study alternative to
extend onto USFS property, and the agency requested eli�nination of the Partial-Build Alternative to Cable
Cove.
Based on comments received following the March 2�, 2004, and April 22, 2004, Interagency Meetings, the
alternatives were revised. Letters were sent to the EBCI, EBCI-THPO, NC SHPO, NCWRC, NCDWQ,
TVA, USEPA, and USFWS, requesting written concurrence on the detailed study alternatives (Appendix P).
A letter was also sent to the NC State Clearinghouse for informational purposes. Written concurrence on the
study alternatives has been received from NC SHPO, NCWRC, TVA, USACE, USEPA, and USFWS
(Appendix P).
As USFS noted in a June 29, 2004, letter (Appendix P), the Partial-Build Alternative to Cable Cove was
determined to be inconsistent with USFS standards and guidelines as defined in the Forest Plan. The project
would not be permitted to proceed with the implementation of this alternative without revision to the Fo�est
Plan and USFS approval. In addition, the alternative lacked public interest and support, so it was eliminated
from further study (Section 2.4.2). Appendix P includes agency comments related to the EIS study
alternatives.
5.5 Section 106 Consulting Parties Meeting No. 1(August 4, 2004)
Section 106 of the NHPA requires the identification and evaluation of impacts to historic properties. As part
of the Section 106 Consultation, a PA was developed to document the Section 106 Process as it pertains to
the North Shore Road EIS (Appendix H). Section 106 of the NHPA is also discussed in Sections 3.2.� and
4.2.8.
Based on the 2004 Cultural Resources ECR, NPS, in consultation with the NC SHPO, has developed a set of
Historic Contexts for the project area and survey methodologies adequate to meet the Secretary of Interior's
Standards far the identification of historic properties. NPS conducted sample archaeological surveys of
approximately ten percent of the study corridor between the Chambers Creelc vicinity and the Lake View
Road tunnel to predict landforms likely to contain significant archaeological sites. Pursuant to 36 CFR Part
8005(a)(3), NPS, in consultation with the NC SHPO and other consulting parties, has utilized a phased
process in applying the criteria of adverse effect consistent with phased identification and evaluation efforts
conducted pursuant to 36 CFR Part 800.4 (b)(2).
If the alternative selected in tbe ROD is a partial-build ar build alternative, the signatories of the PA will
consult to determine what additional identification and evaluation efforts are needed.
Several early coordination meetings were held with NC SHPO to develop the draft PA. A consulting parties
meeting was held on August 4, 2004, at the United Community Bank in Bryson Ciry to discuss the
application of Section 106 in the EIS. In attendance were representatives of the North Shore Historical
Association, the North Shore Road Association, the Sierra Club, TVA, Graham County, Swain County,
Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County, North Shore Cemetery
Agency Consultation and Coordination — 5-3
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement