Eight states won awards in the second National Scenic Byways Best Practices Competition. The awards were presented May 19 at the National Scenic Byways Conference in Albuquerque, N.M.
This year's winning states were Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon and Washington. Thirty-seven projects from 21 states competed for the award.
The scenic byways program has existed in the past two federal surface transportation authorization programs. To date the program has provided $202 million for 1,488 projects throughout the country.
"The winning projects generate a sense of pride and enthusiasm for those involved, and provide terrific destinations for byways visitors," said American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials Executive Director John Horsley. "Scenic byways are a key component in national tourism, and by getting out and exploring America we help build a stronger economy."
