Summary: 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.
