U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta celebrated Earth Day last week by announcing that 136 projects in 38 states will share $20 million in Federal Highway Administration scenic byways grants.
The vision of the National Scenic Byways Program is "to create a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and special places." The funding is intended to help achieve the vision of the byways program by funding projects that engage volunteers to preserve and enhance these byways; demonstrate environmentally sensitive solutions to problems in preserving these byways; and enable people to walk and bike in natural settings.
National Scenic Byways Discretionary funds enable states to undertake eligible projects along highways designated as All-American Roads, National Scenic Byways and state-designed byways. Eligible under this program are planning projects to inventory, safety improvements, construction of bike and pedestrian facilities, development of visitor information such as brochures and interpretive facilities and scenic overlooks, resource protection and byway marketing.
Over 10 years the National Scenic Byways Program has provided $157 million for 1,146 projects in 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
