October 12, 09

NEWS / Federal Highway Administration Awards Nearly $41 Million for Scenic Byways

WASHINGTON – Communities in 43 states will receive $40.7 million for 160 projects to improve and promote highways designated as scenic byways, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez announced today.

“I join Secretary LaHood in his commitment to protecting and promotings roads that are American icons,” Administrator Mendez said. “We’re proud to help tell each road’s unique story.”

Projects funded by the grants include improving visitor access to Chalk Bluff along the Crowley Ridge Parkway in Arkansas, a visitor contact station at Denali along the George Parks Highway in Alaska, and construction of pedestrian and bicycling facilities along scenic byways in Oregon.

The grants are part of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program, which recognizes and provides funding for roads designated either locally or nationally as having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities.

Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has awarded almost $388 million in funding for more than 2,832 state, tribal and nationally designated byway projects in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

The strength of this program is the voluntary, grassroots support of local advocates in communities throughout the country who nominate and promote outstanding roads for this recognition.

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/fhwa2909.htm