FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 STAUNTON-PARKERSBURG TURNPIKE DESIGNATED AS
NEW NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

WASHINGTON, DC --- The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration officially designated 45 new Byways including The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike on September 22, 2005 at an official ceremony in Washington, DC. 

The America’s Byways Designation 2-Day Event attracted more than 150 representatives of America’s Byways including Byway administrators, marketers, volunteers and enthusiasts.  On the first day, the new Byway representatives were given hands-on instruction on how to use their new designation to increase awareness of their communities.  Sessions included presentations by state coordinators, local and regional tourism officials, government partners, public relations specialists and others.  A formal designation ceremony was held on the second day.   

“ This is a tremendous cultural and promotional opportunity for central West Virginia because this new designation will increase awareness of our region,” said Ruth Brinker.  “With this new designation as one of America’s Byways, the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike crossing north central West Virginia from the State line at Top of Allegheny to Parkersburg is eligible for additional federal funding, plus technical assistance and support.  It also means the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike will be included in future America’s Byways maps published by the US DOT, and that should help boost tourism to our area.  According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 80% of all travel in the U.S. is by car and many American’s enjoy the driving experience that our region has to offer.” 

 The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  The program is a grass roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States.  The program was established in 1991.  Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has provide almost $300,000,000 funding for 1,665 State and nationally designated byway projects in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as America’s Byways based on one or more intrinsic qualities: archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic.