America's Byways®WHAT'S NEW
FHWA National Scenic Byways Program Opens Nominations Cycle
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the sixth National Scenic Byways Program nomination cycle. All nomination applications must be completed online at http://www.bywaysonline.org/nominations/application, and submitted both electronically and as a signed hard copy. The hard copy of the completed nomination and completion of the online nomination are due from the State, Indian tribe, or Federal land management agencies to the FHWA Division Offices by December 17, 2008.
Documents to help potential nominees prepare their nomination are available at http://www.bywaysonline.org/nominations. They include the Designation Readiness Worksheet, Image Style Guide, Nominations Guide, and other important documents, such as FHWA's Interim Policy for the National Scenic Byways Program. If you have questions about designation, please check the "Frequently Asked Questions about Designations" article at http://www.bywaysonline.org/nominations/articles/74891. If you cannot find your answer, send an email to cindi.ptak@dot.gov. These FAQs will be updated regularly.
Tamiami Trail De-Designation
On August 26, 2008, the Florida division sent a letter concurring with FDOT's request for removal of national designation of the Tamiami Trail. Since the corridor no longer has the State designation required for national designation, per FHWA's interim policy dated May 18, 1995, FHWA NSBP concurred with their request. This is the first de-designation of one of America's Byways®.
More information can be found at http://www.bywaysonline.org/forums in "General Discussions."
Our Native Pathways
The America's Byways Resource Center developed Our Native Pathways as an effort to conduct effective and comprehensive outreach to tribal governments throughout the nation. This project was funded through a partnership with the US DOI Bureau of Indian Affairs. Three regional meetings were held and 70 tribal representatives from the States of AK, WA, OR, ID, TN and CA participated. The meetings included presentations on applying for NSBP grants, and on what it means to seek national designation. The need for tribes to build external partnerships in pursuit of successful byway programs was also addressed.
Tribal attendees expressed an overwhelming interest in pursuing the feasibility of the byways program for their reservations, and revealed a need for increased coordination for existing byways and their tribal neighbors. The America's Byways Resource Center, together with FHWA, are committed to assisting tribes as they enter the byway arena. For more information, contact Scott Sufficool at ssufficool@byways.org.
ON THE WEB
American Bus Association (ABA) 2009 Top 100 Events
The ABA has a link on their website that lists the America's Byways® that are on or near the 2009 Top 100 Events. Check out http://www.buses.org/2009top100 to see the America's Byways on the ABA's 2009 Top 100 Events link.
AASHTO Recognizes Idaho Scenic Byways Website
The Idaho Scenic Byways website was recognized at AASHTO's annual National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop as the "Nation's Best Website." The award recognizes Idaho Scenic Byways for its well-designed, interactive website. The website is the result of collaboration between the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, and Drake Cooper, all of which make up the marketing arm of Idaho Scenic Byways. The site was designed and developed to promote awareness of the beauty and diversity of Idaho's scenic byways.
SPOTLIGHT ON BYWAYS
Woodward Avenue Tribute
Tributes
The first Woodward Tribute "Illumination Reception" was held on September 18th. A Woodward Tribute is a 30-foot interpretive sculpture that tells a piece of the Woodward Avenue story. It is made of concrete and glass and illuminated by solar power highlighting bold, etched graphics. The first Tribute, displaying the Woodward brand logo, and the America's Byways logo, has been installed in the median at Woodward and Cambourne in the City of Ferndale.
The Woodward Tribute Program is the Woodward Avenue Action Association's (WA3) vision of installing 20 to 25 tributes along Woodward Avenue from the Detroit River to the Loop in Pontiac. Several themes have been selected to guide the graphics development of future tributes, including automotive heritage and technology, culture, music, labor, civil rights and the arts. The WA3 expects to continue to use local artists to showcase Michigan talent in the development of future Tributes.
FHWA National Scenic Byways Program grant funding was used for the Tribute project.
For more information, call 248-288-2004 or visit WA3 online at www.woodwardavenue.org.
