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Site and Facilities
UPDATE 7/19/10
The Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment for renovating facilities at Tremont has been completed and the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was approved at the end of June 2010. To see that document and description of the preferred alternative click here. The full study is available for review on the National Park Service Planning Web site. Click here to view.
So, one may ask, what does that mean? Probably the most important thing is that we have met this requirement and now have a detailed and in-depth study that reviews needs, guiding principles, environmental impacts, public and stakeholder input etc. and then presents five possible alternatives for site and facility improvements. Those alternatives were evaluated and a preferred alternative (alternative C) was chosen. This along with the approval of the FONSI is a HUGE step forward.
Some of the main features of Alternative C include the following:
- Major renovation or reconstruction of the dormitory
- Replacement of the water and wastewater treatment systems and other infrastructure improvements
- Improvements to the activity center
- Seeking LEED certification for the project and implementing appropriate energy efficiencies and sustainable design principles where possible
- Improvements to help our buildings better blend with the park setting
- The estimated project cost ranges from 5 to 12 million
The next step is to obtain a record of decision on the preferred alternative and then begin the planning, design, and securing of funds necessary for the project.
Discussions are moving forward with the Park and the Friends of the Smokies to determine the best ways to secure this funding as well as for an endowment to provide for program and operational sustainability.
Keep watch here for more details about this exciting project. Contact us at 865-448-6709 or mail@gsmit.org if you have questions.
