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State’s Scenic Byways Awarded $576,477
in Federal Funds Through Tourism Department Program

The New Mexico Tourism Department Scenic Byways Program announces the awarding of $576,477 in federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration’s Scenic Byways program to help fund nearly $800,000 in projects for fiscal year 2008.

The Tourism Department submitted a total of 11 grant applications and all were funded.

“Scenic Byways funds are especially beneficial to rural New Mexico,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Most of our 26 byways run through less-traveled areas of the state. This program brings much-deserved recognition to hidden wonders.”

These grants are part of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program, which recognizes selected roads based on their archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. The grants will be used for projects such as scenic overlooks, pedestrian trails, bike paths, safety upgrades, and educational and promotional materials. These projects fund New Mexico’s tourism infrastructure.

“I am very pleased at the level of funding we received,” said Laurie Frantz, State Scenic Byways Coordinator. “These funds help us preserve and enhance New Mexico’s tourism infrastructure.”

The grants include:

Corridor Management Plan Implementation (Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway): Federal share $168,280, local match $82,820; total cost $251,100.
Gallup bike/pedestrian trail (Route 66 National Scenic Byway): Federal share $50,000, local match $40,000; total cost $90,000.
Marketing byways on tribal lands, New Mexico Tourism Department: Federal share $50,000, local match $13,000; total cost $63,000.
Corridor Management Plan (La Frontera del Llano Scenic Byway): Federal share $38,000, local match $10,000; total cost $48,000.
Corridor Management Plan Implementation (Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway): Federal match $33,344, local match $8,336; total cost $41,680.
Interpretive Exhibits (Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway): Federal match $44,000, local match $11,000; total cost $55,000.
Marketing and Wayfinding (Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway): $20,800, local match $6,250; total cost $27,050.
Route 66 Neon Gateway in Grants (Route 66 National Scenic Byway): Federal match $52,500, local match $15,000; total cost $67,500.
Santa Fe Trail kiosk in Raton (Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway): Federal match $17,953, local match $4,489; total cost $22,442.
Gateway on Fourth and Vineyard in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque (Route 66 and El Camino Real National Scenic Byways): Federal match $40,000, local match $10,000; total cost $50,000.
Wayfinding in Santa Rosa (Mesalands Scenic Byway and Route 66 National Scenic Byway): Federal match $61,600, local match $15,400; total cost $77,000.