James White Parkway extension from Knoxville to Smoky Mountains killed in vote

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A transportation planning organization vote has killed a plan to extend a parkway from Knoxville to the Smoky Mountains.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero made the motion Wednesday before the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization. The motion specifically removed extension of the James White Parkway from the group's four-year Transportation Improvement Program.

The organization includes member from Knox, Blount, Anderson, Sevier and Loudon counties Extending the parkway would have cut through a network of hiking and biking trails.

Afterward, Tennessee Transportation Commissioner John Schroer said the state would spend no more money on the parkway extension if local governments are against it.

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