The National Scenic Byways Program has announced 34 new National Scenic Byways and 15 All-American Roads in the US, bringing the total to 184 byways in 48 states. The new designees traverse 28 states and are the first additions to the program since 2009.
The program recognizes roadways with notable scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities. The new additions include Scenic Highway 30A in Florida, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in Illinois, the California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow Scenic Byway, the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway and the Zion Scenic Byway in Utah.
The drive to revitalize and restore funding for the program was led by Scenic America, a national environmental nonprofit that preserves and enhances the visual character and scenic beauty of America. Congress included $16 million in funding for the program, which has resonance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With people looking for safe ways to return to travel, road trips and visits to parks and natural places are expected to have widespread appeal.
“The National Scenic Byways Program brings new jobs, tourism and other benefits to communities along these scenic roads, which are often located in parts of the country where such resources are desperately needed and harder to come by,” says Scenic America president, Mark Falzone. “We are excited to partner with the new designees as they tap into the program’s benefits, and we look forward to helping other byways across the country in applying for future byways designations.”
Further information on the program and a full list of the new designees can be found here.
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