Nov. 10, 2004

For more information contact:
Troy Siefert
515-239-1369

 Remaining 2004 National Scenic Byway funding awarded

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Systems Planning is accepting applications for the 2005 National Scenic Byways program and is announcing recipients for the remaining 2004 program dollars.

2005 National Scenic Byway applications due Jan. 3
All 2005 grant applications for the National Scenic Byways program are due to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Systems Planning by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 3, 2005. The address is 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA  50010.

Final 2004 Award Winners
2004 National Scenic Byways program funding has been awarded to two Iowa projects. A combined total exceeding $200,000 was awarded for the Loess Hills Scenic Byway and Iowa’s Great River Road under the National Scenic Byways program.

Loess Hills Scenic Byway is to receive $146,400 to design and construct interpretive displays at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Pottawattamie County. This project is part of a long-range plan to develop interpretive exhibits in each of the seven counties of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. The Hitchcock Nature Center will focus on raptor (eagle) migration and the unique biological communities, including the tall grass prairies and oak-hickory savannas that once covered Iowa. The exhibits will encourage visitors to explore the Loess Hills and appreciate its natural environment.

Iowa’s Great River Road is receiving $55,600 to develop the plans and designs for the Great River Road interpretive center in Louisa County between Muscatine and Burlington, within the Louisa Resource Area. When completed the interpretive center will introduce byway travelers to the stories of the Great River Road and its natural and cultural resources, as well as recreational opportunities like hiking, canoeing, birding, picnicking, and fishing. The interpretive center will also serve as a trailhead for the planned Mississippi River Trail, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists opportunities to experience the Great River Road.

The Federal Highway Administration’s scenic byways grants recognize, preserve and enhance America's scenic roads and highways throughout the United States.  The program provides resources to help better manage the intrinsic qualities within the broader byway corridor.  National Scenic Byways Program funds also help support projects to improve the quality and continuity of the traveler’s experience.

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