The Jackson County Transportation Task Force last week launched its study of transportation issues in the greater Sylva area.

The group’s study map was expanded to include communities such as Whittier. The task force also handed out assignments for collecting employment data so commuting patterns can be analyzed.

The study map pulled in roads such as the old N.C. 107 and additional portions of U.S. 441, as well as south toward East LaPorte and north toward Whittier. A representative from Whittier will be added to the task force.

Beverly Williams, who heads the mountain region of the DOT’s Statewide Planning Branch, cautioned task force participants that they were embarking on a long, arduous task.

“This is not a fast process,” Williams said.

The task force wants to plan for growth over the next 25 years, finding solutions for present and future traffic woes. The study is the first of its kind in the mountain region, Williams said.

Local DOT officials from Division 14 originally wanted serve as a consulting voice and not be on the task force, said Division Construction Engineer Jamie Wilson. However, Smart Roads representative Jay Coward said it was important for the local DOT to have a seat on the task force, as they would be largely responsible for carrying out the plans. The DOT should not think of themselves as outsiders, said Coward.

“I just want the Department of Transportation to be a part of this community,” Coward said.

Task force participants set their next meeting for July. Between now and then, members will compile information such as number of employers in the county, employee counts, and the number of vehicles each company owns and operates.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. on July 12. A meeting place has not yet been established.