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Georgia Scenic Byways: Program Overview
- BYWAY ACTIVITIES AND BENEFITS
The role of the Program is not only to designate eligible roads but also to educate communities about scenic byways and the
benefits that accompany byway status. In addition, technical assistance and guidance are provided as sponsors proceed
through the application process. The Georgia Scenic Byways Program will also work with byway sponsors to develop
strategies to combine preservation with enhancement through Corridor Management Plans.
- THREE LEVELS OF SCENIC BYWAY PROGRAMS
The National Scenic Byways Program was created by Congress in 1991, and requires application to the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA). The national program has two categories of designation. National Scenic Byways possess
outstanding qualities that exemplify the regional characteristics of our nation. All-American Roads are our country's
finest byways, and considered destinations unto themselves. The National Scenic Byways Program requires designation at
the state level first, and the completion of a corridor management plan. Georgia is among 38 states that have
established statewide scenic byway programs. Once a road is named a Georgia Scenic Byway, it becomes eligible to be
nominated to the federal program.
- BENEFITS
The purpose of designating routes is not only to display the historic character and natural beauty of Georgia, but also to
allow communities to take an active role in protecting their resources, while at the same time creating new opportunities
along the routes. Specifically, the benefits of designation can be divided into five broad categories:
- Recognition
The recognition of a route by local leaders and GDOT will, no doubt, foster local pride in the route and the
intrinsic qualities along it. Only designated byways will be permitted to display the Georgia Scenic Byways
logo. GDOT will produce logo signs and place them along designated corridors. The logo may also be used
on state transportation maps to identify designated byways. In addition, GDOT, and other state agencies may
produce marketing materials that showcase the attractions along Georgia's Scenic Byways.
- Interpretation Assistance
Scenic byways are links to Georgia's past. The buildings and landscapes along a byway tell the story of the
people who lived along the route. Local byway organizers will interpret their stories and make them accessible
and interesting to visitors. The Georgia Scenic Byways Program will be available to help provide local groups
with on-site technical assistance to interpret their byway.
- Planning for Protection/ Enhancement
Local citizens and groups from each designated byway are required to establish and implement their own plan to
identify and protect the byway's character. This "Corridor Management Plan" is a key element in the Georgia
Scenic Byways Program. It provides a mechanism whereby individual citizens can work together to protect the
resources and heritage along designated byways. The process also provides a framework for participating in the
comprehensive plan for the region's enhancement possibilities.
- Promotion and Marketing
The Georgia Scenic Byways Program is linked to other promotional efforts throughout the state. The Georgia
Department of Economic Development's advertising program may feature attractions along designated scenic byways, and
the Department of Natural Resources may work with local groups to help develop their resources. In addition,
businesses along designated corridors may also be permitted to use the Georgia Scenic Byways logo in their
promotional materials.
- Training and Technical Assistance
The designation process for the Georgia Scenic Byways Program is intended to be easy to follow. To assist
local citizens, GDOT will work with the Regional Development Centers to help local leaders learn more about the
program. In addition, local groups may request individual site visits. GDOT will provide advice at any
point in the designation process.
- SCENIC BYWAYS AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
Under federal law, no new billboards may be constructed along designated scenic byways that are also part of the Federal-aid
primary or Interstate System. On-premise signs are unaffected by scenic byway designation. Existing billboards
may remain and continue to be maintained along designated scenic byways. The law also allows the erection of logo
signs and tourist-oriented directional signs on scenic byways.
- THE NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM
Established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and initiated by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), the National Scenic Byways Program recognizes highways that best exemplify the nation's culture,
history, and landscape through designation as either National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads. The program also
provides grants to assist state scenic byways programs and state designated scenic byways. Grant proposals are
solicited annually and compete against all byways nationally. To be eligible for National Scenic Byway status or be eligible
for the National Scenic Byway grants, a byway must first be designated as an official state scenic byway.
- INTRINSIC QUALITIES
- Scenic Quality:
The heightened visual experience derived from the natural and man-made elements along the byway (i.e. mountain
overlooks, tree-canopied roads, marshland vistas, and other natural qualities).
- Cultural Quality:
Evidence and expression of the customs or traditions of the people who live around the byway (i.e. crafts, music,
dance, food, special events, architecture, and other cultural events).
- Natural Quality:
Tangible and relatively undisturbed features of the environment in the area of the byway (i.e. rivers, waterfalls,
sand dunes, forests, geological formations, wildlife, and other natural qualities).
- Archeological Quality:
Physical evidence of historic or prehistoric human life or activity around the byway that has
scientific/archeological significance, educates, and offers an appreciation for the past (i.e. shell rings, burial
mounds, tabby and mill ruins, warfare artifacts, and other archeological finds).
- Historical Quality:
Elements along the byway reflect the past human activity (i.e. roads, buildings, settlement patterns, and other
historic evidence)
- Recreational Quality:
Outdoor recreational activities that are directly associated with, and dependent
on, the natural and cultural elements of the corridor (i.e. rafting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities).
Updated November 02, 2007. 10:13
© 2003-2007 Georgia Department of Transportation
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