Fueling Economic Impact through Grants

All national, state, and tribal scenic byways and All-American Roads are eligible for National Scenic Byways Program discretionary grants.

Although program funding lapsed in 2012, the passage of the Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act in 2019 paved the way for funding to be included in future budgets. The Consolidated Appropriations Acts of FY 21, 22, 23, and 24 included nearly $50 million in funding for scenic byways. Scenic America continues to advocate for their long-term funding.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awards these funds competitively in the form of merit-based grants which are opened up to byways programs on a periodic basis. The most recent round of funding was awarded April 2023. Scenic America expects a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to be announced in early-mid 2024.

How Can Grants Be Used

Grant funds can be used for various activities, including:

• The planning, design, or development of a State or Indian tribe scenic byway program
• Development and implementation of a corridor management plan
• Safety improvements
• Construction of a facility for pedestrians and bicyclists, rest area, turnout, highway shoulder improvement, overlook, or interpretive facility
• An improvement that will enhance access to an area for recreation.
• Protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological resources
• Development and provision of tourist information
• Development and implementation of a scenic byway marketing program