Here's the statement I dropped in the comment box on my way out of the meeting:

"Feb. 19, 2008

To: TDOT
Re: Pellissippi Parkway Extension

I am opposed to building the Pellissippi Parkway Extension because it is not needed, it is a waste of taxpayer money, it will detract from Blount County's rural character and natural beauty, it will promote sprawl, and we do not know what environmental impact it will have because it is my understanding that no environmental impact study has been completed.

Further, there are other more important priorities in Blount County, including improvements to safety of Alcoa Highway which the Pellissippi Parkway will not address.

Further, TDOT and local governments are not considering public or mass transportation as alternatives in their long range transportation planning, which suggests we do not have a comprehensive planning process and that projects such as the Pellissippi Parkway Extension represent a short-sighted piecemeal approach to Blount County's future transportation needs.

(name, address, etc.)"