Colorado Byways Receive Funding

August 18, 2011 - Statewide Transportation Plan - DENVER – Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways program is receiving more than $2 million for six projects as part of the 2011 federal funding cycle from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The awarded projects are:

  • Colorado Byways: Protection of natural, cultural and scenic resources.  Includes establishing a statewide conservation plan and toolkit for all byways in Colorado ($1.7 million).
  • Grand Mesa: Safety improvements and congestion reduction at the Grand Mesa County Line Trailhead.  Includes relocating a high-use recreational parking area off State Highway 65 and new restroom facilities ($186,500).
  • Pawnee Pioneer Trails: Improvements to visitor amenities at Pawnee Buttes Trailhead in Weld County.  Includes additional parking, new picnic areas and trail construction ($148,000).
  • Santa Fe Trail: Sign improvements at four sites. Includes continuation of an interpretive plan, including new kiosks and exhibits ($60,000).
  • Silver Thread: Turnout improvements along State Highway 149.  Includes new parking spaces, interpretive signs, safety barriers and log fencing ($49,760).
  • Lariat Loop: Bicycle rack installation. Includes installing 30 bicycle racks at strategic locations along the 40 mile byway ($25,200).

As part of the National Scenic Byways Program, the FHWA selected 123 projects in 40 states.  In addition to project eligibility, the FHWA selected projects with the most strategic benefit, livability, priority and the critical need assigned by the state or Indian tribe.  Other administrative criteria also was considered, such as benefits to the byway traveler, readiness to implement, and the ability to leverage private or other public funding within the context of the availability of funding.

For more information and a list of award winners, please see: http://www.bywaysonline.org/news/2011/3215

Eleven of Colorado’s 25 byways are designated as America’s Byways®, meaning they are nationally recognized for their outstanding scenic and historic attributes.  Colorado has the most nationally designated byways in the U.S.  To learn more about these scenic and historic road trips that preserve the state’s culture, history and natural wonder, please visit: www.ColoradoByways.org.   Byway photos are available at: www.colorado.com/PhotoGallery.aspx