MEMORANDUM

TO: Pete Sprague, Assembly President

Members of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly

FROM: Milli Martin, Assembly member.

DATE: May 5, 2004

SUBJECT: Resolution 2004-051, Supporting the designation of a portion of the Sterling Highway as a State Scenic Byway.

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has designated two sections of the Sterling Highway as State Scenic Byways. These include the 38-mile stretch between Wye and Skilak Road and the 23 miles between Anchor Point and Homer. This resolution would support an application to designate the remainder of the Seward Highway as a State Scenic Byway.

Designation as a state scenic byway is a critical step towards designation as a National Scenic Byway. Such designation is based upon the archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities of the road. Currently there are 96 designated National Scenic Byways in 39 states.

This program is intended to bring more economic opportunities to the communities along the road through the recognition it provides. National Byways are included in national and international travel marketing done by the America's Byway program.

Designation as either a state or a national scenic byway also provides access to National Scenic Byways Discretionary Grants, which fund projects to enhance byways with interpretation and capital improvements along the corridor.

Importantly, this designation does not impose any regulatory requirements on the highway except that it prohibits new billboards. Alaska law already prohibits billboards. In my view, this program offers an excellent opportunity to enhance the borough economy through the marketing and improvement projects it would make possible. Your support would be appreciated.