Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about the Kansas Byways:
What is the Kansas Scenic Byways Program?
- The Kansas Scenic Byways Program was formed to identify and designate scenic roadways for the enjoyment of the traveling public in Kansas.
- Scenic roadways serve as natural, social, cultural and economic resources for the visitors to the state of Kansas, the people of Kansas and the local communities in which the roadways are located. The program is a cooperative effort among private citizens, local groups, local governments and state government agencies.
- The Kansas Scenic Byways Program is related to the National Scenic Byways Program, a project of the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). The National Scenic Byways Program seeks to identify and designate national scenic byways to increase tourism and educate the traveling public about our nation's environment, history and culture.
- Roads in Kansas may be nominated for scenic byways designation by private citizens, local groups or local governments. To nominate a road for Kansas scenic byways designation, obtain forms from the Kansas Scenic Byways Clearinghouse, complete the application form and a preliminary route resource inventory and then submit the form and inventory information to the Kansas Scenic Byways Clearinghouse, c/o Bucher, Willis & Ratliff Corporation, 609 West North Street, Salina, KS 67401 or voice phone 800-684-6966.
- The Kansas Scenic Byways Program is designed to work within existing state and local regulations. The program does not require significant local financial investment nor does it infringe on individual private property rights.
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What are the benefits of Scenic Byways Designation?
- Identifies scenic resources in Kansas
- Fosters pride and cooperation among communities
- Puts routes on the state map
- Fosters community economic development
- Provides access to available grants
- Enhances route amenities
- Manages route activities
- Educates visitors about history, nature, culture of the area
- Increases tourism
- Promotes byway with state brochure
- Included on Kansas page of America's Byways website
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Are there any drawbacks of designation?
- May increase traffic (but that's what we want!)
Requires community involvement
What makes a roadway scenic?
- A roadway that provides a high level of natural beauty, be it in the form of wide panoramas or interesting roadside forms, may be designated scenic. One objective of the Kansas Scenic Byways Program is to designate Kansas scenic roads that represent the diversity of the Kansas landscape.
- In general, scenic byways should have the following characteristics:
- Uniformly high visual quality along the entire route
- Be paved and able to accommodate tour buses and large recreational vehicles
- Have sufficient length to reward users for their drive to the byway, i.e., a byway 20-30 miles long unless it is located within 15 miles of an interstate or arterial highway
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