Murtha pleased with announcement
U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) said he was pleased with the announcement that the National Road through Pennsylvania, and adjacent states has been named an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation. “Route 40 through Fayette and Washington Counties is one of the most historic roads in America-and one of the most scenic as well,” Murtha said. “I’ve been supporting tourism development along the National Road for some time through the federally funded Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area and the Path of Progress National Tour Route, as well as development at Fort Necessity National Battlefield, which is located along the National Road. This new designation provides a higher national profile for the corridor that gives our efforts and our local economy a big boost.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today added 23 new National Scenic Byways and 13 All-American Roads to the list of America’s Byways. America’s Byways are a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places.
The Secretary designated the Historic National Road in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
“America’s Byways are roads to the heart and soul of America,” said Mineta. “Byways help create a sense of pride in America. They connect us to this country’s beauty, history and culture.
Under the National Scenic Byways Program, National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads are selected based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.
Murtha noted that, to be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of the six qualities and be regionally significant.
“The National Road I believe contains all six of these qualities, and that’s why it’s already been designated as a State Heritage Park in Pennsylvania,” Murtha said. “But certainly, getting this national recognition will further our efforts and build ties across state lines into Maryland and West Virginia.”
In addition to designations, the Federal Highway Administration manages the scenic byways discretionary grant program. Under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), approximately $25 million is available annually for planning as well as enhancing and promoting the byways. Today’s announcement marks the fourth round of designations.
With these new designations, there are 75 National Scenic Byways and 20 All-American Roads in 39 states, including nine with portions in more than one state.