Missouri's Scenic 79 Byway

Following the creation of the National Scenic Byways Program by the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), scenic byways programs across the nation have received considerable interest. The National Scenic Byways Program emphasizes the conservation of scenic byway's intrinsic qualities in balance with tourism and other economic development activities.

- What are Scenic Byways?

Scenic byways are special roads that offer travelers access to Missouri's beautiful scenery, cultural riches and natural areas. These roads may be rural, suburban or urban, but the common link is that they all provide an alternative to today's fast-paced lifestyle. Scenic byways can steer motorists to state and local parks or other public lands. Scenic byways can provide economic opportunities and conserve scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological resources. Scenic byways can also be highways that communities feel are important components of their identity.

- What are the Benefits of a Scenic Byways Program?

Missouri is a unique state with a variety of natural scenery, recreational areas, parks, historic sites and communities. Roadways provide easy access to these areas and the scenic byways program is designed to promote their special qualities. One of the key benefits of the program is the added economic opportunities and increased tourism provided to communities along the designated route. A program promoted statewide through maps and other literature can expand the number of visitors to an area, which can generate economic growth and increase community recognition.

- How does a Roadway become a Scenic Byway?

Any agency, group or individual can nominate a route for scenic byway designation. However, there must be local governmental support and commitment for designating the route a scenic byway, since the purpose of the program is to preserve and improve the scenic value of the route. A corridor management plan outlining specific strategies and actions to manage the route must also be developed and included with the nomination. The corridor management planning process establishes community-based goals and implementation strategies for the scenic byway to utilize community resources efficiently to conserve intrinsic qualities of the scenic byway and enhance its value to the community.

- What's the Review Process?

Nominations may be submitted at any time to the Scenic Byways Advisory Committee. This committee meets semi-annually and is composed of individuals representing tourism, the motoring public, the conservation department, historic preservation, outdoor advertising, state parks, and transportation. 

Applications and more information are available by contacting Marci Horton at hortom@mail.modot.state.mo.us, or the Missouri Department of Transportation at the following address.

Scenic Byways Program
P.O. Box 270
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: Toll-free 1-888-275-6636 or (573) 751-2551

In April of 1999, upon the recommendation of the Missouri Scenic Byways Advisory Committee (Karl Kruse, Scenic Missouri's Executive Director, is a member of this Committee), the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission has approved and dedicated Missouri's first scenic byway. Twenty-six miles of Route 79 from the Pike/Ralls County line to Junction Route W in Clarksville offers majestic views of the Mississippi River, beautiful river hills and pastoral countryside. Under the Scenic Byways legislation sponsored by Rep. Joan Bray (D-St. Louis) and passed by the Missouri Legislature in 1994, local governments must approve scenic designations within city and county boundaries. Local officials along Scenic Route 79 applauded the Commission's decision, citing the cultural, economic and tourism benefits of the Scenic Byways Program.

Unfortunately, Missouri's scenic byway statute has one major flaw. Areas along a proposed byway zoned for industrial or commercial use may not be included in the route, thus ensuring “segmented” scenic byways in Missouri. This language was included to appease the billboard lobby because federal law provides that new billboards are prohibited on state designated scenic byways. The Missouri law clearly violates the intent of Congress to promote continuous scenic roads.

Local governments and citizen's groups interested in proposing scenic byways may contact the Missouri Department of Transportation or Scenic Missouri. MoDOT's web site is www.modot.state.mo.us.info/scenic.htm. If you are interested in learning more about recently passed legislation regarding Missouri's scenic byways, please call us at 573-446-3129.