Interstates 3 and 14

A proposal to cut a new interstate across the South has sparked a multi-state, grassroots effort to stop the project before it gets started. Proposed Interstate 3 would run 400 miles from Knoxville to Savannah, tearing through forests, farms and wetlands, threatening the economic vitality of rural communities along the way.

The massive project, estimated to cost between $10 billion and $50 billion, would serve little, if any, transportation need in the region. Rather, it would harm wildlife habitat and water quality, and degrade scenic views in the mountains, where many communities rely on tourism.

Also in the works is another proposed interstate, equally unnecessary and potentially damaging. Interstate 14 would run from Natchez, Mississippi across the South and join I-3, perhaps in Georgia, to end in Savannah.

Uneconomic Development

Both proposals are being pushed as economic development projects in the “underserved” region, yet massive highway projects in the rural South rarely provide the economic benefits that are promised. Instead, smaller communities usually lose out as retail and service businesses leave downtown areas and move into new strip malls and shopping centers that sprout at interstate exits

Providing Assistance
The Southern Environmental Law Center is working to halt further funding or planning of either project. We are helping to provide legal strategy for Ways South, comprised of individuals, civic groups and conservation groups opposed to I-3. We are also working with concerned citizens in Alabama and Georgia to oppose I-14.