Less Successful Example of a Prior Projects Summary:
Improvements at the Native American effigy mound funded by the 2004 and 2005 Scenic Byway grants, combined with new recreational trails near the area of the mound that were funded through another federal grant was intended by the Byway Commission to be the cornerstone for future scenic byway projects. Travelers would be attracted to view an outstanding archaeological treasure, then through the use of the marketing materials funded by a 2005 National Scenic Byways Program grant, particularly the byway brochure (a copy is attached to this application), they would be enticed to see the other cultural and historic attractions in the City and County. The previous NSBP grant also partially funded displays and signage for six historic, scenic driving tours on Scenic Byway Loops. In addition, the previous NSBP grant partially funded displays at the first County Seat on the Scenic Byway, whose judicial history will be included in the Judicial Museum.
At about the same time work was started on the Native American effigy mound, the Better Hometown Program was embarking on an ambitious program to improve the downtown area that included renovating the historic commercial structures and attracting new businesses in those buildings, enhancing the downtown's appearance through the use of various streetscape projects, and creating new opportunities for travelers to stop and stay a while and enjoy the historical heritage of the downtown area and nearby residential neighborhood, and visit the many new shops and restaurants. The fact that the County was soon going to celebrate its Bicentennial added to the efforts to improve the quality of the downtown area, and most importantly led to the idea of establishing a multi-county Judicial Museum in one of the community's significant historical structures; what will hope one day will become a crown jewel and an important anchor to this section of the scenic byway.
The importance of the partnership associated with the proposed museum should not be overlooked. The foundation of this partnership can be traced in large part to the efforts of the Scenic Byway Commission to reach out to neighboring counties and other significant local and state organizations to help market the scenic byway, and to promote the fact that the success of the scenic byway benefits all, not just the City and County. Seeing the success of the Native American effigy mound project and the effort put forth by many to market the Byway helped generate the enthusiasm to become part of this exciting and worthwhile project. In short, success breeds success through a partnership effort.
This example is less successful because it:
- Is not well focused and does not effectively describe the relationship between the proposed project and previously funded NSBP grant projects
- Does not provide prior NSBP grant titles, project numbers or funding amounts to facilitate reference
- Does not effectively describe how the proposed project would build on/differ from prior funding
