Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the release of the Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment on the proposed improvements to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (Tremont). Park managers are inviting written or electronic public comments on the Park’s proposed actions during a 30-day review process. Comments are due by April 15, 2010.
Tremont’s campus, located approximately 3 miles south of Townsend, Tenn., in the northwest portion of the park, encompasses about 10 acres, and provides in-depth environmental education experiences for youths and adults in a residential setting. Tremont is a not-for-profit partner with the Park and is managed by a Board of Directors.
The purpose of the plan is to address the deteriorating conditions of the aging facilities housed on the Tremont campus in their present condition. The 40-plus year old buildings and infrastructure are inadequate to meet current and future programs. The main buildings consist of an Administration Building, Dormitory, Activity Center/Dining Area, Staff Housing, and several other structures.
The document identifies the park’s preferred alternative along with four other alternatives that analyze different approaches for improvements to the campus, along with the potential effects of each alternative on the natural and cultural resources, as well as the projected cost of each alternative ranging from $5.9 million to $51 million.
The environmentally preferred and agency’s preferred alternative that was selected is Alternative C in the study. This alternative would address the issues and problems associated with Tremont’s guiding principles while causing the least impact to the biological and physical environment. The proposed action would involve an option to rehabilitate or reconstruct the existing dormitory in its current location, depending on design analysis and/or funding availability. It will also provide upgrades to restroom facilities, renovations to optimize classroom and office space, moderate site improvements, and improve aesthetic appearance. This alternative is estimated to cost between $5.9 million and $12 million depending upon the extent of the dormitory project improvements (rehabilitate or reconstruct).
In addition to the preferred alternative identified, the following options were considered through a public process which began in 2006. All the options incorporate ADA compliance and environmental-friendly, energy efficient practices and materials with differing levels of renovations, upgrades, and reconstruction, with the exception of the No Action Alternative which would involve continuation of existing facilities and programs.
- Alternative B calls for limited modifications to the Activity Center/Dining Area and Dormitory with upgrades to the heating and air condition systems and waste water treatment plant.
- Alternative D includes moderate site redevelopment that calls for the construction of two new dormitories with renovations to the Administration Building and Staff Housing.
- Alternative E consists of complete site redevelopment, including construction of all the main buildings: two dormitories, Administration building, Dining Hall and Staff Housing.
The document has been posted and is available for public review on the NPS’ Planning web site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grsm. The public can provide comments directly online by the April 15 deadline. Before including address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in the comment, be aware that the entire comment – including personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.
Printed copies of the EA can be reviewed at Park Headquarters and Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Oconaluftee Visitor Center, near Cherokee, N.C.; or at the following libraries: In Tennessee: Lawson McGee Library, Knoxville; Blount County Public Library, Maryville; Mary E. Tippitt Memorial Library, Townsend; Cosby Community Library, Cosby; Anna Porter Public Library, Gatlinburg; and Sevier County Public Library, Sevierville. In North Carolina: Haywood County Public Library, Waynesville; Marianna Black Library, Bryson City; and Qualla Boundary Public Library, Cherokee.
Written comments must be postmarked by April 15, and sent to: Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
