America's Byways®WHAT'S NEW
President Signs SAFETEA-LU Corrections Bill Into Law
Public Law No: 110-244 does include some minor corrections to 23 USC 162, the statute that governs the National Scenic Byways Program. See TITLE 1 – HIGHWAY PROVISIONS, SEC. 101. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, which is available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h1195enr.txt. These corrections apply consistent language and clarity, but in practice do not change the substance of the statute or FHWA’s interpretation of the National Scenic Byways Program. To see 23 U.S.C 162 as modified, go to http://www.bywaysonline.org/program/us_code.html.
FY 2008 National Scenic Byways Program Grants
The Federal Highway Administration headquarters in DC received grant applications for 332 complete projects requesting a total of $73.5M. SAFETEA-LU authorized up to $40 million for this fiscal year. Grants are currently being reviewed for funding consideration, and a list of eligible projects is being assembled.
National Scenic Byways Program Nomination Cycle
The next nomination cycle is expected to begin in late summer/early fall 2008. The official nomination documents are not finalized, but the essence of the past nomination requirements will continue in the next cycle. Key elements include:
- Review the requirements of the interim policy
- Communicate with your State or Indian tribe byway coordinator and FHWA Division contact
- Prepare/complete a Corridor Management Plan (CMP)
- Identify your byway’s intrinsic quality(ies)
- Begin community outreach and gather local support
- Determine how your intrinsic qualities support the travelers’ experience
- Take active, engaging high resolution photos in different seasons that will showcase your byway
Further information on designation as an All-American Road or National Scenic Byway, marketed collectively as America’s Byways®, is available at: http://www.bywaysonline.org/nominations/.
NEWS BRIEFS
Chinese Group Leisure Travel To The United States To Begin In June 2008
BEIJING - The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that starting on June 17, 2008, Chinese leisure travelers may travel to the United States in group tours under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by both countries.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez and CNTA Chairman Shao signed The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the United States of America to Facilitate Outbound Tourist Group Travel from China to the United States on December 11, 2007, in Beijing, China during the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT). The MOU will be implemented according to a plan jointly confirmed by CNTA and the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information, please visit The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries website: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/pdf/MOU.pdf. For data on the Chinese inbound market, visit: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/m-2007-I-001/table5.html.
The impact of opening the USA to Chinese leisure tourists is enormous, and for byways who market themselves as international destinations, this new market could bring increased visitation and economic development to your communities in the future.
House Resolution on Congressional Support for Biking
May 21, 2008 - At the 110th Congress, 2nd session, H Con Res 305 - a concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation - was passed by the House of Representatives.
The resolution made statements and addressed statistics on bicycle use and non-motorized vehicles, including, “…the American bicyclist generates enormous economic returns - in 2006, the national bicycling economy contributed $133 billion to the U.S. economy, supported nearly 1.1 million jobs across U.S., generated $17.7 billion in annual Federal and State tax revenue, produced $53.1 billion annually in retail sales and services, and provided sustainable growth in rural communities.” The resolution recognized “increased and safe” bicycle use and included references to safety, intermodal transportation, support of funding for non-motorized travel, facilitated development of a coordinated system of bicycle routes across the country, and more. For full text of the resolution, visit http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:hc305eh.txt.
Request for Comments on Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Proposed Policy Statement
A draft policy statement entitled "Using Archaeological Resources for Public Benefit, including Education and Heritage Tourism," is the product of the ACHP’s Archaeology Task Force subcommittee and is being circulated for public comment in the Federal Register, and on the ACHP's website at www.achp.gov. After review of comments received, the Chair of the Task Force plans to bring the policy and guidance before the full ACHP membership for adoption at its August 15, 2008 quarterly meeting.
Comments are due to ACHP by July 11, 2008. Please note that all comments received will become part of the public record. For further information contact: Dr. Tom McCulloch, (202) 606-8554, or visit www.achp.gov.
SPOTLIGHT ON BYWAYS
Japanese Donation Makes “Alligator Crossing” Signage Possible on Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
Representatives of the Hokkaido, Japan Scenic Byways Program toured the Creole Nature Trail in 2004 in an effort to learn from the success of the National Scenic Byways Program. The Hokkaido team was most impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality with which they were greeted at every stop along the trail.
When Hurricane Rita hit Southwest Louisiana, the Creole Nature Trail was devastated, including total loss of all trail signage. Team members of the Hokkaido group immediately inquired about the trail and what they could do to assist in recovery. Ultimately, the Hokkaido team sent $1,000 to the Creole Nature Trail to reprint the “Alligator Crossing” signs with which they had been fascinated on their trip. Thanks to the Hokkaido Scenic Byways donation, these distinctive signs were installed in late January 2008 and signal yet another step forward in the on-going recovery of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. For more information, contact Shelley Johnson, 337-436-9588 or 800-456-7952, or visit www.CreoleNatureTrail.org.
This is a great example of a byway community cultivating international friendships that forged a solid relationship between two countries.
