Public Comment Sought on Proposed Wildfires Memorial Project

Sevier County and Gatlinburg are holding a comment period for the proposed Wildfires Memorial. The proposed drawings can be viewed online here, and also at Gatlinburg City Hall and the Sevier County Courthouse. The comment period will close on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this project is to provide a memorial that is easily visible entering and leaving the downtown Gatlinburg area. The project site is located near the existing north Gatlinburg parking lot. There will be two distinct features of the memorial – one will recognize first responders and the other will be in memory of the victims. There will be a pedestrian bridge over the Little Pigeon River and sitting areas.

The cost of this Wildfires Memorial project has not been determined; however, it is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million. Anyone wanting to donate to the Memorial Fund can stop by a local Smart Bank branch and contribute to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation Memorial Fund.