Projects Funded Through the National Scenic Byways Program

Category 7: Information and Interpretation

Category Description

Development and provision of tourist information to the public, including interpretive information about a scenic byway. [23 U.S.C. 162(c)(7)]

Category 7 funds the planning, design, fabrication, and site construction of information and interpretation signage and facilities. This can be traditional interpretive signage, or multimedia formats such as videos, audio tours, low-power radio facilities, and internet information. Printed materials such as guides, brochures, pamphlets, and maps are eligible as well as the recruitment and training of living history docents.

Since 2001, 222 projects have been funded with $22 million in grant funds, an $0.57 leverage ratio for total project costs of $35.5 million.

Table 21 : Category Profile for Information and Interpretation Impacts

Year	Number of Projects	Total Project Costs	Total Grant Funding	Dollars Leveraged Per Program Dollar
2001	17	$1,432,882	$1,102,860	$0.30
2002	31	$5,994,662	$3,751,600	$0.60
2003	29	$10,637,164	$4,856,757	$1.19
2004	31	$4,656,904	$3,507,382	$0.33
2005	36	$4,556,750	$3,447,911	$0.32
2006	78	$8,275,794	$5,934,731	$0.39
Total	222	$35,554,156	$22,601,241	$0.57

Figure 19 : Profile of Information and Interpretation Grant Impacts

Relevant Project: – Flint Hills Scenic Overlook

In 1996, The Flint Hills Scenic Byway was awarded a grant for $222.2 million to develop a scenic overlook and interpretive facility in the tallgrass prairie. An overlook platform of native sandstone with interpretive panels and planted with native wildflowers reflects both the historic and natural features of the area by showcasing traditional building materials and craftsmanship and the reflecting the vastness of the prairie through its horizontal design.