10th Anniversary Celebration of the National Scenic Byways Program

Norman Y. Mineta, United States Secretary of Transportation
December 18, 2001

Thank you, Jim, for that warm and very kind introduction. Former Secretary Slater, it is good to see you again. And I am also happy to see my distinguished former colleagues in the Congress. And to all of our guests this evening, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this exciting celebration.

I am delighted to be here tonight and I am truly pleased and honored to join my good friend Rodney Slater in receiving a 10th Anniversary Award from the American Recreation Coalition. Thank you all so very much.

The fact that we can all look back on ten years of progress, and to a decade of ISTEA transportation reforms, is a credit to all of you here in this room and to the organizations that you represent so well. I am honored to be here to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the National Scenic Byways Program.

All of you contributed significantly to the success of the program. All of you should be proud of what you have accomplished. And all of you should be excited about what can be achieved in the years ahead.

As Chair of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee during the development of ISTEA, I can tell you that there was great support for, and promise in, the development of a National Scenic Byways Program.

One of the people responsible for the strength and success of this program is Congressman Oberstar. We worked together in 1991 to institute transportation reforms that led to ISTEA’s creation, and he has been a leader and visionary.

Because of his commitment to the program’s success, some call him the “Godfather” of the Scenic Byways Program.

I think the Congressman and I both agree that the people, the partnerships, and the collaboration, are the real success stories behind this program.

In 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program conference assembled around 100 people here in Washington, D.C.

If we fast-forward to 2001, we see a different picture:

The National Scenic Byways Conference attracted about 600 scenic byway supporters and leaders to Portland, Oregon this summer;

There are now 72 roads in the distinctive collection of America's Byways…. five years ago we had none;

And the program has funded more than 1,100 projects with over $155 million dollars.

All I can say is.... Wow.

After ten years, we have reached a critical mass.... a critical mass of volunteer and community support, national designations, and quality projects.

The National Scenic Byways Program is truly one of the gems of ISTEA.... and here’s why.

Because Byways are about our heritage as Americans. They help us reconnect with our roots and with each other.

On a Byway, we can slow down and savor things along the way. And they create a sense of pride in America and connect us with what is real.

In the new, post-September 11th world we live in, that is ever so important.

The support for byways continues to grow -- the promise of scenic byways, however, has yet to be fully realized.

According to research conducted by FHWA, familiarity with the program is relatively low.

Currently, about a quarter of the traveling population (26%), claim awareness of the National Scenic Byways program.

Yet, only 2% say they are very familiar with the program. This suggests that few people have a strong understanding of the program and the type of experience it offers.

However, one of the most positive findings is that there seems to be a large potential user base. The majority of people – 76 percent -- like to take the more interesting route, rather than the quickest.

Now the challenge is to spread the good news throughout the land.

The Department of Transportation, our lead agency, the Federal Highway Administration, and this Secretary look forward to working with all of you to make a great program even greater. And I am looking forward to announcing another round of designations by the middle of next year.

And I am also looking forward to spending some time away from Washington, reconnecting with America, on a Scenic Byway. Thank you once again for allowing me to join you this evening.

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)