Scenic Byways News

Here we offer links to news and documents concerning the Foundation, and America's Scenic Byways.

Proposed HR 7 Repeals Byways Program

An urgent call to action is going out to all byways to step up to this challenge today (1 Feb 2012). Please act right away. Send letters, make calls, contact your legislators and ask them to act.

House T&I Committee Chair John Mica released his proposed 5-year surface transportation legislation at 3 PM yesterday. Although we are pleased with several aspects of the bill, we are very disappointed to find that the National Scenic Byways Program would be completely abolished under his bill:

7(k) NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM. -Section 8162, and the item relating to that section in the analysis 9 for chapter 1, are repealed.

This is far worse than expected. We anticipated removal of the America's Byways Resource Center provisions and were not optimistic that the grant program would be included, but we never expected removal of the designation authority and other aspects of the program. Mark-up of the legislation begins at 9 am tomorrow morning. We are hunting for a champion to eliminate this draconian step and will keep you posted - but I urge you to not wait. Contact Members on the T&I Committee immediately to protest this action - an action that ignores the economic value of byways for domestic and international tourism. If you find a Member ready to lead the fight, please let us know ASAP. Use the letter below as a template to customize your own letter to committee members. Committee members can be found HERE. We must act now, before it is too late!

Download our action letter template as a pdf document or as a word document.

Supporting documents:

• Language from S. 1833 regarding scenic byways
• Chart displaying current provisions and the treatment of byways and recreational trails by the pending legislation

News From Washington
The Senate passed an amended fiscal 2012 "minibus" appropriations package on Tuesday, November 1, setting the stage for a conference with the House that could start this week. More details.

Seaway Trail, Inc. Names Interim Director
Great Lakes Seaway Trail, NY and PA - Seaway Trail, Inc. has named Chuck Krupke as interim Executive Director following the death of President and CEO Teresa Mitchell. Krupke, a respected Pulaski, NY, area businessman, has been associated with the byway since its inception in 1986 and has served as Chairman of the Board of Seaway Trail, Inc. Seaway Trail, Inc. is the not-for-profit organization that promotes travel and tourism along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania. The 518-mile route is a National Scenic Byway and a National Recreation Trail.

Krupke will serve in concert with John Hall of Cannon Design, Grand Island, NY, the current Board Chair of Seaway Trail, Inc. and Alexander "Pope" Vickers of the Jefferson Community College Department of Hospitality and Tourism who is Chair of the Seaway Trail Foundation, Sackets Harbor, NY.

2012 "Minibus" Appropriations Package
The Senate passed an amended fiscal 2012 "minibus" appropriations package on Tuesday, November 1, setting the stage for a conference with the House that could start this week. More details. (11-3-2011)

FAA/Highway extension bill
The Senate passed the combined FAA/Highway extension bill by a vote of 92-6 in late September, and the bill was signed by President Obama. More details. (9-16-2011)

Support Sought From Secretary LaHood
The National Scenic Byway Foundation, American Recreation Coalition and national supporters of the National Scenic Byway Program seek support from Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. (Posted 10-18-2011)

Milling Around Minneapolisp
Thanks to our sponsors, auction item donators and bidders! (See our list of sponsors.) Look for photos on the Foundation's Facebook page. (9/1/2011)

Letters of Support
Friends of America's Byways send letters of support for the National Program to Congress. (Posted 5-20-201)

Report From Washington
Read the latest news from Washington regarding the future of the Scenic Byways Program. (5/4/2011)

New Mission and Vision
The National Scenic Byway Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization originally formed in 2003, has a new mission and vision, as well as a renewed effort to be an active voice in the byway community... More (4/8/2011)

NSBF Strategic Plan Approved (4/8/2011)

Transportation Bill Reauthorization
President Obama’s $129 billion budget for the U.S. Department of Transportation consolidates 55 highway programs into five categories that invest in roads most critical to the National interest... More (2/17/2011)

House_Transportation_and_Infrastructure_Committee_2011
This list shows the contact information for Congressional members serving on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. (2/17/2011)