Remarks by Secretary Slater at the National Scenic Byways Announcement |
|---|
|
Rodney E. Slater, United States Secretary of Transportation
June 9, 1998
REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR
DELIVERY
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION RODNEY E. SLATER
NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM DESIGNATIONS
JUNE 9, 1998
WASHINGTON, D.C.
First, let me recognize several people, who have done so much to improve the quality of life for Americans across the nation. Congressman Oberstar and Senator Rockefeller, your work in transportation is greatly appreciated.
Clearly, it goes beyond the Scenic Byways program. Your participation in helping craft the new highway and transit bill was invaluable. President Clinton will sign that historic bill into law this afternoon, marking a new era for America. By pumping some $200 billion into much needed transportation projects, virtually every community, every neighborhood, every American will share in the bounty.
And this will mean opportunity because transportation is about more than concrete, asphalt and steel. It is about people -- getting children to school and parents to work -- helping them pursue life, liberty and happiness as this great nation goes forward into the new century. Our nation is truly on the move. We enjoy strong economic growth. Crime is down. Unemployment and inflation are the lowest they have been in decades. And we are about to have the first budget surplus in a generation.
I am proud of the progress that is being made. And I am pleased to be here to announce the newest members of our scenic byways family. These roads are the best America has to offer. They weave new enjoyable traveling experiences into the fabric of American life. Clearly, highways are a key part of the U.S. economy and our national transportation system, carrying people and goods from city to city, from farm to town, from airport to railroad to seaport.
They also enhance and promote tourism. More and more people are driving for pleasure. Of some 800 million pleasure trips taken (each year) by domestic travelers, over 80 percent are along a highway.
People are taking to the highways because they expose us to the colors and beauty of the countryside. They provide adventure. They offer interaction with the history of America. They are doorways to the rich culture of our people.
Today we recognize those highways that have been singled out by the National Scenic Byways Program as exemplifying outstanding scenic, historic, recreational and natural qualities. They give Americans and international visitors a special look at this vast country -- at her mountains, valleys, lakes and streams -- and her people.
This program has been a resounding success. It was built on cooperative partnerships at the federal, state and local levels. It has friends and supporters in many places -- just take a look around this room.
Why? Because this program is an engine for economic development. It grows communities while preserving their beauty and natural heritage. It builds pride in countless places along the designated routes.
Let me say that when the President signs the new highway bill, he will be continuing financial and technical support for this program. And we could not have done it without strong bipartisan support from the Congress, from many of you here today.
The first round of National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads were announced in September 1996. Twenty were named.
Today I am delighted to announce that we have selected 33 roads (in 19 states) for designation, including three All-American Roads. All are outstanding examples of America’s pride, beauty, and history. They are among the best, the jewels of America.
Let me close on this. When we began this century, it was Teddy Roosevelt who opened up America by creating national parks and making us appreciate America the beautiful. But it was the transportation system that allowed people to get to the Grand Canyon and all our natural wonders.
I am the last Transportation Secretary of the 20th century -- provided I behave. So I am privileged to end the century the way we began: by perpetuating the obligation that all citizens have to keep America beautiful. With this I know our best days are yet to come.
Thank you very much.
###
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)