[TitaniumTT]

This petition is brought about to illustrate the concern from around the country regarding the seemingly overly cautious closing of US129. We ask you to please reconsider & accept the offer of Graham County NC officials to support the 13 miles of US129 until the road can be reopened and access gained from the TN side. We are sure you are aware of the signifcance of this stretch of road and the importance to tourism in both TN and NC.

The decision to close the entire road has already provided an adverse impact to the economy of the region; many rest stops & gift shops have begun shortening thier hours of operation due to less tourism. It would not be out of the realm of possibilities to consider that resorts and hotels are loosing reservations and experiencing an increase in cancelations. These effects will be felt in the local economies and have the potential to place jobs at risk and lower the profits of many businesses. 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. With spring approaching, the region should see an increase in tourism. It's possible with the close of this road, tourism could stay stagnant or even decline until the road is accesible.

The creator of this petition is part of a large gathering of over 250 club members gathering from around the nation, around the continent actually; members are flying and driving in from as far as CA and even Canada. Our plan right now is to be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 19th. The current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are causing our group great concern. We're sure this emotion is shared with local residents and business owners that rely on the road, the tourism it attacts, and the groups that decend on the region for their livelyhood. Our Mid April gathering at Natahalla Villiage has been in planning since last year and we would love to see the road open in time for our annual event. We're sure the local businesses that depend on the road for their income would greatly appreciate it being opened as quickly and safely as possible as well to take advantage of the weekly gatherings of clubs and tourists that the beautiful region brings.

We understand your concern with allowing NC to maintain and protect the road until your officials have unrestricted access to it. However, we urge you to please reconsider the offer. Surely something can be worked out that is in everyones best interest. The tourists, the business owners, the locals and even state officials we're sure would like to see US129 open today

We all, everyone on this petition, appreciates your consideration and look forward to your willingness to promptly solve the issue.

Here ya go, feel free to add, modify, etc etc.... offer goes to all.