"Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians hope some financial incentives, and disincentives, will speed repairs to the Newfound Gap Road, which was severed by a landslide in January.

The two are pooling resources to offer an incentive of $18,000 per day to the selected contractor for each day of completion prior to May 15, up to a maximum of $500,000. The amount donated by the Cherokee tribe will apply to the first 14 days of the incentive period at the above rate.

The offer is being floated because an extended road closure has significant economic implications for the park's tourism-based gateway communities."

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee Tribe Hope Incentive Will Speed Road Repairs (National Parks Traveler 2/8)