Scenic Byways

A National Program, if Created, Should Be Small Scale Gao ID: RCED-90-241 September 28, 1990

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed various scenic byways designated by state and private organizations, focusing on the: (1) characteristics of selected byway programs and activities; (2) criteria for designating byways; and (3) issues raised by state and private officials concerning the creation of a national scenic byways program.

GAO found that: (1) states and private groups established most byways to promote tourism or preserve scenic beauty; (2) the characteristics, funding sources, management, and designation criteria of the 27 programs and activities reviewed in 10 states varied widely; (3) promotion techniques for byways involved maps, books, brochures, and signs; (4) states most often used general state revenue, private-sector funding, and federal-aid highway funds to finance byway programs and activities; (5) designation criteria included accessibility, quality of scenery, historic value, and availability of attractions; (6) designation sometimes resulted in new roadside facilities, improved landscaping, and restrictions on commercial activities and outdoor advertising; and (7) byway officials wanted strong state and local involvement in any national scenic byway program, but supported federal funding and federal involvement in information sharing and promotion of byways.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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