Following
the creation of the National Scenic Byways Program by the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, scenic byways programs
across the nation have received considerable interest. The National
Scenic Byways Program emphasizes the conservation of scenic byway's
intrinsic qualities in balance with tourism and other economic
development activities.
What are Scenic
Byways?
Scenic byways are special roads that offer travelers access to
Missouri's beautiful scenery, cultural riches and natural areas.
These roads may be rural, suburban or urban, but the common link
is that they all provide an alternative to today's fast-paced
lifestyle. Scenic byways can steer motorists to state and local
parks or other public lands. Scenic byways can provide economic
opportunities and conserve scenic, historic, cultural, natural,
recreational and archaeological resources. Scenic byways can also
be highways that communities feel are important components of
their identity.
What are the Benefits
of a Scenic Byways Program?
Missouri is a unique state with a variety of natural scenery,
recreational areas, parks, historic sites and communities. Roadways
provide easy access to these areas and the scenic byways program
is designed to promote their special qualities. One of the key
benefits of the program is the added economic opportunities and
increased tourism provided to communities along the designated
route. A program promoted statewide through maps and other literature
can expand the number of visitors to an area, which can generate
economic growth and increase community recognition.
How does a Roadway
become a Scenic Byway?
Any agency, group or individual can nominate a route for scenic
byway designation. However, there must be local governmental support
and commitment for designating the route a scenic byway, since
the purpose of the program is to preserve and improve the scenic
value of the route. A corridor management plan outlining specific
strategies and actions to manage the route must also be developed
and included with the nomination. The corridor management planning
process establishes community-based goals and implementation strategies
for the scenic byway to utilize community resources efficiently
to conserve intrinsic qualities of the scenic byway and enhance
its value to the community.
What's the Review
Process?
Nominations may be submitted at any time to the Scenic Byways
Advisory Committee. This committee meets semi-annually and is
composed of individuals representing tourism, the motoring public,
the conservation department, historic preservation, outdoor advertising,
state parks, and transportation.
For more information contact:
Monica Duncan
MoDOT State Byway Coordinator
monica.duncan@modot.mo.gov, 573-526-3690
P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270
Call toll-free 1-888 ASK MODOT
Missouri Scenic Byways Contact Information
National
Scenic Byways Program
