Many citizens and leaders in Western North Carolina have probably not formed opinions yet about a proposed interstate that could cut through the southwestern portion of the state, and one of the reasons is that the issue so far has not received much publicity. But at the very least it is time to begin gathering information. If momentum continues to build before leaders here have a chance to weigh in, it may be too late to do anything about it.

Interstate 3 has been supported and pushed by Georgia’s congressional delegation. It would run from Knoxville to Savannah, Ga. Backers say it would provide a direct route between these two cities and improve commerce while also helping to relieve the traffic nightmare otherwise known as Atlanta. Many large corporations — Goody’s, Home Depot and even leaders of Zickgraf Enterprises, a Franklin-based hardwood floor manufacturer — say this interstate would help commerce.

John Stone, an aide to Rep. Charlie Norwood, R-Ga., says the road could also provide another benefit: “Atlanta is absolutely bogged down in dead stopped traffic for hours every day in the morning and afternoon. That leads to maximum possible air pollution.” In other words, Stone is making the argument that the road could help solve air quality problems in the Smokies.

The road is now getting some financial attention. A $400,000 allocation to study a proposed corridor was included in a federal Transportation Bill. The Georgia legislature has set aside an additional $100,000 to promote the highway. An Atlanta Business Journal article on June 24 stated that I-3 is “gaining headway at the state and national level.”

In a best-case scenario, the road would steer west of North Carolina and would not affect this region. On the other hand, some possible routes have it passing through Hayesville, Murphy, Andrews and Robbinsville. Another possible route has the road shifting east and entering North Carolina along the U.S. 441 corridor in Franklin.

North Carolina’s western legislative delegation has so far spoken out against the road. Both Rep. Roger West, R-Marble, and Sen. John Snow, D-Murphy, say Western North Carolina’s economy is growing due to its natural beauty and tranquility. The road could destroy that. “Why should we be overrun with hordes of people and traffic so they can get to Knoxville quicker?” said Snow.

Rep. Charles Taylor, R-Brevard, also expressed concern about the cost and the environmental effects of such a massive project.

Road opponents in the western counties are trying to build support to stop the road. Says farmer John Clark: “Economic development here is based on natural beauty, not interstates.”

Interstates are big projects where big money is thrown around and backroom deal-making often carries more weight than open discussions. We in Western North Carolina need to demand an open, well-publicized debate that will provide an opportunity to learn about the pros and cons of this project before any deal is sealed. At this point that’s probably the most we can hope for.