Tribal leaders toured the landslide site on Monday, Jan. 28 with Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Park officials. Shown (left-right) are Principal Chief Michell Hicks, Congressman Meadows, Vice Chief Larry Blythe and Great Smokies Park superintendent Dale Ditmanson. (LYNNE HARLAN/EBCI Public Relations)
“Last night, I spoke with the Assistant Administrator and other officials within the FHWA about rebuilding U.S. 441. The highway is the primary thoroughfare in accessing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from North Carolina, and it is critical that it is open before the peak tourism season begins. I look forward to working together with them to speed up the contracting process and ensure that U.S. 441 is rebuilt as quickly as possible so Western North Carolina does not take a financial hit.”
– Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) after speaking with FHWA officials on Thursday, Jan. 30
