Welcome to our Scenic Byway Proposal

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“A PROPOSAL TO CONNECT THE PAST WITH THE FUTURE”

Prior to our initial meeting on April 18, 2008 in Lebanon Borough, the thought of proposing a scenic byway through portions of Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset Counties seemed to be something of a dream.

Since that date, the I-78 Corridor Historic and Scenic Byway Alliance was formed. The alliance is made up of both public and private partners with one goal in mind - protect and preserve the treasured intrinsic values found only in this portion of NJ.

This blog will serve as an informal tool to communicate our progress and update the public.

For all other information and research documents, please navigate to the official web site here - I-78 Scenic Byway Proposal
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Featured - The Benefits of Scenic Byway Status

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Many individuals have asked what the benefits are for scenic byway designation. While some are more important than others, I think this list summarizes the benefits.

Scenic Byway Benefits -

Although the Scenic Byways program is administered through NJDOT, byways must be locally nominated and supported. This grass-roots approach ensures a strong local commitment to the promotion and long-term preservation of a highway corridor that is officially designated as a scenic byway. Benefits of scenic byway designation can include:

- Supports tourism and economic development in communities along a designated byway.

- Unique signs and ongoing promotional efforts can enhance a community’s “marketability.”

- State scenic byways can potentially be designated a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road.

o Such byways are marketed to national and international travelers, bringing additional recognition and economic benefits to area communities.

o Both state or nationally-designated scenic byways are eligible to compete for federal discretionary scenic byway funds.

- Promotes partnerships between local governments, businesses, civic groups and community leaders.

- Strengthens civic pride and makes communities an even more attractive place to live and work.

- Serves to identify an area’s scenic, historical and recreational treasures for the enjoyment of future generations.

- Greater local participation in decisions that affect the quality of life and local economy of the corridor.

- Access to federal funds for enhancements.

- The opportunity to create public-private partnerships for the stewardship of the corridor.

- Preserve the rural scenic character of the corridor and important viewsheds.

- Protect the character of historic districts and village centers along the corridor.

- Preserve and enhance the natural resources along the route.

- Promote greater awareness of the Byway and its recreational, historic, and cultural resources.

- Maintain and enhance the quality of recreational experiences available to Byway users.

- Promote educational opportunities for students and the general public related to Byway Resources.