Congressman Duncan's Statement on Opening the Foothills Parkway

Press Release

"Today we celebrate the opening of the new section of the Foothills Parkway. This project is a result of over 50 years of teamwork with many partners including Members of Congress, the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration and the Tennessee Department of Transportation," said Duncan.

"The Foothills Parkway is something I began working on when I first was elected to Congress. During my first term I was able to secure $3 million for resurfacing the Parkway. I was also able to obtain an additional $27 million through highway bills and the Interior Appropriations bills. Finally, I wrote a letter in support of the National Park Services' TIGER grant application for $10 million," said Duncan

Duncan said, "I also think it is important that we thank the men and women from the private sector construction industry who spent years up on this section of the Parkway risking their lives to complete this project."

The completion of this section of the Parkway known as the "missing link" will now open to the public providing 16 miles of roadway with stunning views.

"People from all over the Country and the world will now be able to enjoy these unique and spectacular views of the Smokies in a way they have never been seen before," said Duncan.

Congressional authorization for the Foothills Parkway was originally passed in 1944. Since that time a 17 mile section from Walland to Chilhowee Lake and another 5 mile section in Cosby, Tenneesse have been completed.

Last March, the House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congressman Duncan to name bridge 2 after Mr. Dean Stone, the late editor of the Daily Times and long-time supporter of this project.

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