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Resource Library
Scenic Byways Program Promotes Rural Areas

Created by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), the National Scenic Byways Program provides national recognition of roads that represent outstanding examples of scenic, historic, cultural, recreational and natural qualities as well as providing technical and financial assistance.

Administered by the Federal Highway Administration, the program is voluntary and encompasses any public road or highway. The entire program is designed to be a bottom up experience that places importance on local involvement.

For example, the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (RDC) has managed a state designated byway for the past three years. Through efforts of the local governments and with assistance from the National Scenic Byways Resource Center, the Commission is in the process of preparing a corridor management plan, which is essential for applying for national designation.

Dawn Heglund, Transportation Planner with the Upper Minnesota Valley RDC says that "the economic benefits of having a scenic byway designation are difficult to measure but with proper marketing, use of promotional materials and the participation of local governments, the benefits will become noticeable."

By relying on the network of professionals from both state and federally designated byways, Heglund hopes that the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway will become a nationally-designated byway after the next nomination cycle. (Feb. 21, 2000)

To become eligible for designation as a National Scenic Byway, communities must first gain designation as a state scenic byway. In addition, the byway must meet criteria for user safety, user facilities and prepare a corridor management plan must be prepared that ensures continued preservation of the byway's intrinsic qualities.


National Scenic Byways Resource Center

Created in 1998 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the National Scenic Byways Resource Center provides training, research, resources and limited planning assistance to people and organizations interested in nationally designated scenic byways. It is a joint venture of the Arrowhead Regional Development Center (RDC) in Duluth, Minnesota and the Federal Highway Administration.

The Arrowhead RDC first proposed the idea for the center after working to develop a regional scenic byways plan in 1995. They felt there was a need for a national resource center that could assist local groups with their byway efforts.

According to Gary Tonkin, Director of the National Scenic Byways Resource Center, there is an opportunity for regional organizations to participate in the program. Tonkin explains that "scenic byways are generally located in rural areas and travel through small communities that do not often have the resources to plan for and implement projects."

The byways are managed through local byway organizations that range from well-established nonprofits to informal groups of communities and volunteers. Tonkin says that "regional planning and development organizations are ideal entities to bring communities together along byway corridors, as well as provide professional and technical assistance."

Michelle Johnson, Associate Director of the National Scenic Byways Resource Center explains that "the scenic byways program is not just transportation and tourism but a whole host of opportunities for rural areas. Whether designated as a state of federal byway, regional organizations can seek funding for transportation improvements, economic development programs, housing projects, small business retention programs, preserve intrinsic qualities surrounding the byway and, especially for rural areas, the program can be used to accomplish many individual goals of the community."

For further information on the National Scenic Byways Program visit the National Scenic Byways Resource Center at www.byways.org or call 1-800-4BYWAYS.


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