The federal government has decided not to build the contentious North Shore Road along Fontana Lake in Swain County in western North Carolina.

Instead, the government has agreed to negotiate a financial settlement with the county, which was promised the road some 60 years ago, said U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat.

The government pledged decades ago to build the road to boost economic development in the region after it built a dam creating Fontana Lake. The proposed road has been a divisive issue among landowners.

Many, including Shuler’s predecessor, former Rep. Charles Taylor, wanted the government to fulfill its promise. Others worried the road would bring unwanted traffic and hurt the region’s environment.

More after the jump.

   Comments (0)