AUGUSTA — A new federal report on a proposed interstate connecting Savannah, Ga., and Knoxville, Tenn., says several suggested routes aren't feasible because of detrimental effects on mountain terrain and protected wilderness areas.
The Augusta Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/xwGOo2) that the study found "fatal flaws" in three possible corridors. Due to environmental concerns and opposition from residents in the north Georgia mountains, the study didn't proceed with cost analysis of the routes.
Earlier this month, a separate federal report detailed plans for another possible new interstate that would move traffic from Augusta through central Georgia and Alabama to Natchez, Miss.
Both interstate routes were first proposed in 2004 by U.S. Rep. Max Burns and other legislators with the purpose of connecting military bases and enhancing economic development and tourism in the South.