IDAHO NATIONAL
Idaho
Transportation |
Seven of Idaho’s renowned scenic byways will be enhanced by the infusion of nearly $1 million from the Federal Highway Administration as part of funding announced recently by U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. Idaho’s seven project grants are part of FHWA’s National Scenic Byways Program, which recognized and enhances selected highway routes based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities. Grants can be used on projects to create or improve scenic overlooks, visitor information centers, pedestrian trails, bike paths, safety upgrades and educational and promotional materials. The seven projects benefiting from the new grants include:
Local communities in 42 states will receive more than $22 million in federal grants for 207 projects. They improve and promote highways designated as scenic byways. In the past 14 years, the National Scenic Byways Program has awarded more than $250 million in grants for more than 1,800 state and nationally designated byway projects. “The grants… will help preserve and promote a collection of diverse American roads that provide unique travel destinations and support countless small businesses,” said FHWA Administrator J. Richard Capka. For more about Idaho’s Scenic Byway Program, directed by Garry Young, visit the department’s Web site: http://www.itd.idaho.gov/Byways/ Idaho has 25 routes designated as scenic, historic and back country byways, including the only international scenic route, the International Selkirk Loop in northern Idaho. Published 3-17-06 |