6.1

6. Public Involvement
6.1 Introduction
The North Shore Road Project has over a 60-year history related to the construction of the Fontana Dam in
western North Carolina. For decades prior to the onset of the EIS and official start of the public involvement
program, the public and media have commented on issues surrounding the North Shore Road and the land
that is now included in the EIS study area. This has included petitions and letters written to the NPS and
other government agencies. As demonstrated through previous and current public participation, there is a
strong interest in this project among numerous people with various viewpoints, both locally and nationwide.
Public involvement is an essential component of the EIS, supporting the informed decision-making process.
It is integral in selecting appropriate study alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and fulfilling NEPA
requirements. In accordance witb NEPA, the NPS and the FHWA developed an extensive public
involvement program for the North Shore Road EIS to keep the public informed and to collect public input
for the duration of the project.
The North Shore Road Public Involvement Program has been open and inclusive. Key public involvement
points have included the following:
■ The proposed North Shore Road has been a divisive factor for too long and needs resolution.
■ The public decision-making process associated with NEPA has provided a framewark to evaluate all
reasonable alternatives for resolving the government's obligation in the 1943 Agreement.
■ The program has been committed to keeping the public and interested parties as informed as possible
throughout the process.
■ Flexible, open, and continuous public involvement has been conducted in accordance with NEPA and
NPS policies.
The North Shore Road Public Involvement Program has included a variety of inedia to inform the public on
the status of the EIS planning process and to solicit and incorporate public feedbacic. It has included
numerous public meetings at multiple locations, social advertisements in local newspapers, national press
releases, a comprehensive mailing list far project newsletters, and an interactive project website.
This chapter provides a summation of the public involvement activities that have occurred during the North
Shore Road Public Involvement Program.
Refer to Impacts to the Human Environment, Section 4.2, (specifically in Community, Section 4.2.2; Visitor
Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5; and Cultural Resources, Section 4.2.8), for more information regarding
iinpacis to the publics associated with this project.
6.2 Media Strategies
A variety of inedia strategies were developed to update the public on the status of the EIS planning process
and to collect public input. The wide range of local and national interest required disseminating information
Public Involvement — 6-1
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement