|
New
National Scenic Byways in Virginia.
On September 22, 2005, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta
announced that Virginia’s four federal Parkways (Blue Ridge, Skyline
Drive, Colonial, and George Washington Memorial) have been designated as
America’s Byways™ (National Scenic Byways), the first ever
for Virginia. Scenic Virginia has served as the project coordinator
since 2002, when we successfully sponsored state legislation designating
the four parkways as State Scenic Highways. Our partners are the
National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, VDOT,
Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Department of Conservation &
Recreation, the four Parkways, local marketing groups (e.g. Colonial
Williamsburg and Luray Caverns), and elected officials at every level of
government. As a result of our work, Virginia will now be included on
the America’s Byways™ map and website that are used by
potential tourists from around the world.
For more information on
Virginia's four new additions to the America’s Byways™ program,
click here . Click on
2005 Designation for
information from the America’s Byways™ press room concerning the
2005 program and honorees. To view photographs of Scenic
Virginia's participation in the special ceremony at Union
Station in Washington, D.C., click on
In the News.
Third
Annual Scenic Awards.
On November 1, 2005 Scenic Virginia honored statewide winners in six categories at our third annual Scenic Awards program, held at the Kent-Valentine House in Richmond. We recognized groups from Keysville, Front Royal, Rappahannock County, Marion, Nelson County, Rockbridge County, and Richmond; and we announced that Governor Mark Warner is our 2005 Scenic Hero for his administration’s support of the successful effort to designate National Scenic Byways in Virginia.For more information, click on Scenic Awards and then 2005.
Preservation of historic viewsheds along the Richmond riverfront.
In 2001 we assisted Oregon Hill residents opposed to a proposed
high-rise that would block river views from Oregon Hill Riverside Park.
The following year, during the summer of 2002, we successfully lobbied
for the creation and enactment of new riverfront zoning for the area
east of Downtown. We have continued to work with Richmond’s elected
officials, planners, developers, and civic organizations to ensure that
development along the riverfront respects historic viewsheds,
contributes to tourism, and promotes economic opportunities in our
capital city.
Illegal billboard on Mayo’s Island in Richmond.
In November 2004 Scenic Virginia helped defeat an attempt by Lamar
Advertising to secure a Special Use Permit for a billboard along I-95 in
Richmond that has been illegal since the day it was erected in 1977
and that has earned more than $1 million in revenue since that time.
We are now working with Richmond’s administration to bring down the
billboard.
Virginia Municipal Tree Restoration Program.
Scenic Virginia has served as coordinator of Virginia’s MTRP project for
five years. Other members of this group include: the Department of
Forestry, Virginia Tech, the major utility companies in Virginia
(Dominion, Allegheny, and Appalachian Power), local electric co-ops, and
local government. The MTRP’s goal is to promote attractive municipal
streetscapes by preventing the mangling of trees close to and under
utility lines. On October 26, 2005 at Lewis Ginter Botanicial Garden in
Richmond, Scenic Virginia co-sponsored the Commonwealth’s first-ever
conference addressing utility/tree conflicts and resolution. The group’s
website is:
www.utilityfriendlytrees.org.
Virginia Byways.
VDOT’s Map of Scenic Roads includes many routes that have not
secured the official Virginia Byways state scenic road designation.
Without this official recognition, the localities along these roads
cannot apply for competitive grants from the Federal Highway
Administration’s Byways fund. Identifying these roads and helping local
sponsors achieve Virginia Byway designation is a current Scenic Virginia
priority. Scenic Virginia also serves on the VDOT advisory committee for
the design and implementation of the new Virginia Byways interactive
website.
Stafford County billboard.
In 2004 a Scenic Virginia member in Stafford County asked us to review a
draft billboard ordinance that the billboard industry had offered
the County as a means for eliminating a despised billboard in the
Falmouth Historic District. Scenic Virginia responded with a report
exposing the draft ordinance's numerous flaws, including a loophole that
would have permitted the construction of new steel monopole billboards
in other parts of the County. After many meetings and much debate, the
Stafford Planning Commission rejected the proposed ordinance. Scenic
Virginia is now working with the Stafford County administration to offer
other options for the billboard’s removal.
Statewide VDOT tree-trimming policy.
In 2001 Scenic Virginia successfully sponsored legislation resulting in
the formation of new policy concerning the manner in which VDOT trims
roadside trees. We continue support with an annual award for the best
implementation.
Federal Byways funding.
The Federal Highway Administration currently allocates approximately $30
million in Byways funding for projects along National or State Scenic
Byways. In September 2004 Scenic Virginia met with members of Virginia’s
congressional delegation to ensure that they have complete information
about the National Scenic Byway efforts underway in the Commonwealth, as
well as a clear understanding of the Byways merit-based grants process.
Virginia Capital Trail.
During the past two years Scenic Virginia has provided support to the
Secretary of Transportation for the long-planned Virginia Capital Trail,
a path for bicyclists and pedestrians that would run from Jamestown to
Williamsburg to Richmond. |
