Well I don't know how much good this will do but I just wrote to the TN and NC government officials with this letter or a derivation of it:
Good afternoon Governor,
I am writing to ask for your help in promptly reopening US129, otherwise known as the "Tail of the Dragon". Please accept the offer of Graham County NC officials to support the 13 miles of US129 until the road can be reopened. The Tail of the Dragon is of significant importance to tourism in both TN and NC and your decision to close the entire road is adversely impacting the economy of the region, placing many jobs at risk. I am sure during these difficult economic times you will review your position on the matter and do everything in your power to keep the economy of the area vibrant and growing.
I am part of a large gathering of over 250 rotary enthusiasts gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th and your current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are unacceptable to us as I am sure it is to the businesses that depend on the road for their income. Put government to work and show us what can be accomplished when government functions for the good "of the people".
I appreciate the consideration and look forward to you willingness to promptly solve the issue.
Best,
David Hayes
Click here to get the emails of the officials:
http://www.dealsgap.com/save-the-gap/index.html
It can't hurt so we'll see.