Sequoyah Resort Project

A big announcement in Vonore today. A public/private venture involving TVA, The Eastern Band of the Cherokees and the Overhill Development Company announcing a 50 million dollar resort project on Tellico Lake.

It's taken 17 years to get this "idea" off the ground. And now it's finally happening. The marina could be operating by next Spring and I was told today, the entire project could be completed in as early as four years.

Many people are happy about this proposal.

TVA isn't selling the land, but leasing the property to the developers for an annual payment of $50,000.

Those lease payments will go to the Eastern Band of the Cherokees who will apply it to operating the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. The Cherokees also get to set up gift shops for additional revenue.

Local politicians are also happy, because the resort will mean jobs, maybe as many 400 new jobs and new tax revenue.

But despite all the positives, some have concerns. They worry that this development is just the beginning of a major change to the area, which is now mostly pristine pastureland. They worry that the nature of the land may change as development grows.

Monroe County needs development. But it also needs to maintain the beauty of the region. I hope a middle ground is found and both needs are fullfilled.