Introduction
The vision of the Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways Program is "To create a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places. " -- NSBP website
As an established and respected Federal program with 126 designated routes, over $300 million in investment, and international recognition as a model initiative, the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) has had a successful first fifteen years. Maintaining the quality of the Program by enhancing, sustaining and promoting its various components and corridors for the next fifteen years is the subject of this report.
Defining Success
The success stories resulting from the NSBP have been well documented and celebrated. Across the United States local communities and regions have been energized through the Federal recognition the program provides, and inspired to consider new opportunities and relationships for their byway routes.
Some initial observations from this period of establishment and growth define Program success through:
Pride —instilled in local communities entrusted with Federal recognition and a responsibility for stewardship.
Flexibility —provided by the Federal Highway Administration, States, and Indian tribes, recognizing the diversity of resources and communities that byways represent.
Grassroots —demonstrating that an investment in the American people can accomplish significant achievements.
and, above all,
Quality —a common commitment to a quality Program and collection of byways known collectively as America's Byways®.
