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Remove the Dillsboro Dam
I write to represent to Duke and other decision-makers – what seems to be a less vocal but what I believe to be a significant faction of our community – that support removal of the dam in Dillsboro. While one or two individuals with special interests have been admirably assertive and effective in communicating their belief that the dam is somehow symbolic for our county, beautiful to look at, or of actual tourism value to the area, what I perceive to be a comparatively quiet majority would disagree.
As a matter of opinion, some would say that a free-flowing river, viewed from the U.S. 441 bridge, from the river bank, or from a boat, offers much more in the way of natural beauty than an ugly, man-made, concrete waterfall. None would argue with the fact that outdoor recreational opportunity, a backbone of this county’s attraction for residents and visitors, would be enhanced and increased. Both scientists and environmentalists have weighed in to judge that the river and its ecology would be made healthier (if the dam is removed.)
Understandably, a few guests in one hotel may prefer the sound of roaring water over the dam to that of traffic over the U.S. 441 bridge. However, the large number of other residents in Jackson County and a host of tourists would benefit far more from an uninterrupted, natural, mountain river. The city of Dillsboro may see tourist numbers increase dramatically if boaters and fishers used their site as a take-out in addition to a put-in, something currently made inconvenient and dangerous by the unsightly, unnatural, and unnecessary presence of this dam. Its removal would be met with a few protests but widespread appreciation.
Michael Despeaux
Cullowhee
Macon-Jackson Regional Airport?
To the Editor:
The following is the resolution request for the “Regional Airport Authority” sent by the Jackson County Commissioners to Rep. Phil Hare. It passed but has not been enacted yet by the Macon and Jackson county commissioners. Will you have a voice in this? I have copied the resolution verbatim and added some observations in italics.
Whereas, the Jackson County Airport runway length of only 3003 feet; and
Even though the published distance is 3,003’, take off and Landing distance, measured this week, on unobstructed pavement is 3,350’. with a 250’ grass safety overrun.
Whereas, the topography of the Jackson County Airport limits the further expansion of the airport or extension of the runway; and
The area of the slide could be reclaimed, making the runway 4,008 feet with 100-foot safety overruns at each end. The Jackson County Airport at 2,844’ is less subject to fog than the Macon County Airport in a valley at 2,020’. Pilots have safely diverted to Jackson County to wait out fog conditions at Macon County.
Whereas, the Macon County Airport is approximately 30 miles from the Jackson County Airport; and
There may be (business jets) that fly out of Macon County’s 4,400’-5,000’ runway. If the average person wants to fly commercial, the distance from the Wal-Mart in Sylva to the Asheville Regional Airport is about 50 miles away and provides business and commercial jetliner service from its 9,000-foot runway.
Whereas, the Macon County Airport has a runway length of 4400 feet which is planned for extension to 5000 feet to accommodate larger business-class jet aircraft; and
Business jets have landed and taken off from the Jackson County airport. Additionally, new classes of six-place very light jets are being developed by five different companies (see AOPA Pilot magazine August 2005 page 71 for the new Honda Jet) with takeoff and landing distances at their maximum allowable weight much less than the length of the runway at Jackson County.
Whereas, because of its proximity to Jackson County, the Macon County Airport is an alternative local airport for Jackson county which can accommodate larger aircraft: and
See above.
Whereas, a shared commitment of local resources will promote efficiently by eliminating the duplication of airport services and enhancing the overall level of airport services available to the southwestern mountain region.
The Jackson County Airport differs from Macon County’s airport by being located near Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College and is an untapped source for flight training for students, who may have aspirations of becoming professional pilots or others seeking a career change. Local children and teenagers can also benefit from the “Young Eagles” and Civil Air Patrol where they can be mentored for free about aviation and aviation careers Satellite flight schools in conjunction with the local colleges and universities are a reality in many states. The flight student simultaneously receives his degree and enters the aviation market as a first officer with the airlines. The Jackson County Airport can be self-sustaining if the current legislatively-created Jackson County Airport Authority were allowed to finish its work.
Therefore, be it resolved
1. The formation, structure and authority of the regional airport authority shall be generally consistent with the enabling legislation establishing the existing Macon County Airport Authority (S.L.1999-238) and the Jackson County Airport Authority (S.L. 1997-22).
2. The purpose of the regional authority shall be to own, operate and maintain the Macon County Airport which shall be renamed the Macon-Jackson Regional Airport
3. Formation of the regional authority shall dissolve the existing Macon County Airport Authority and the existing Jackson County Airport Authority.
4. Appointment of the members of the regional authority shall be determined by the Boards of Commissioners of Macon and Jackson Counties.
5. If the airport ceases to be operated by the regional authority or if the regional authority is dissolved for any purpose, title to all real and personal property held by the regional authority shall revert to Macon County.
The Legislature in their final bill did not pass this, but why did the Jackson County Commissioners want to support and then possibly give everything to Macon county?
6. If any property held or acquired by the regional authority is abandoned, title to such abandoned property shall revert to Macon county.
Adopted in regular meeting held March 21, 2005.
Jackson County Board of Commissioners
Roberta Crawford, Vice Chairman
When do the taxpayers of Jackson County get a chance for input on this before it is enacted?
John Glenn
Cullowhee
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