National Scenic Byways Program Discretionary Grants

National Scenic Byways Program Discretionary Grants

Funder: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Geographic Scope: All 50 states

Eligibility: All national, state, and tribal scenic byways and All-American Roads are eligible

Status: Active. Funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of FY 21, 22, 23, and 24 with nearly $50 million allocated total. The most recent round of funding was awarded in April 2023.

Program Background

The National Scenic Byways Program is a voluntary, community-based program administered through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to recognize, protect, and promote America's most outstanding roads. The program helps communities balance economic development and resource conservation. There are currently 184 national scenic byways in 48 states, with 37 designated as All-American Roads (the highest distinction).

Program funding lapsed in 2012. The passage of the Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act in 2019 paved the way for funding to be included in future budgets. Scenic America continues to advocate for the program's long-term funding and a regular designation process.

Eligible Uses

Grant funds can be used for:
• Planning, design, or development of a State or Indian tribe scenic byway program
• Development and implementation of a corridor management plan
• Safety improvements
• Construction of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, rest areas, turnouts, highway shoulder improvements, overlooks, or interpretive facilities
• Improvements that enhance access to recreation areas
• Protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological resources
• Development and provision of tourist information
• Development and implementation of scenic byway marketing programs

Award Process

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awards these funds competitively in the form of merit-based grants which are opened up to byways programs on a periodic basis.

Contact

Scenic America - scenic.org