After nearly three years of secret negotiations void of public input, the Appalachian Regional Intermodal Port was announced as a surprise to the dismay of thousands it will negatively impact in North Georgia. The port, which promises to attract tens of thousands of container trucks annually, will accomplish the worthy goal of easing congested roadways in and around Atlanta. But the location chose
n for it in north Murray County is absolutely unacceptable. Located at the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness over 20 miles from the interstate, the site borders the pristine Sumac Creek and remains flooded up to fifty percent of the year. The area is entirely rural, recognized for its large sink holes, and lies directly above a karst aquifer which provides drinking water for tens of thousands. This rural, unspoiled country is obviously ill-suited for an industrial development. But it was deliberately sought out because of land values that make it attractive for industrial developers. North Georgia deserves its inland port to be located directly on the interstate south of Dalton, the established industrial center for the region. Too much is at stake to accept anything less. Donations in support of this cause may be mailed to North Georgia Citizens to Preserve the Environment at PO Box 11, Cisco, GA 30708.
