On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously approved H.R.5158 – which directs the Secretary of Transportation to reopen the nomination process for National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads.
The bill – introduced by U.S. Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI) and Ted Poe (R-TX) – was revised through an amendment offered by U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), who chairs the powerful Highways and Transit Subcommittee.
As approved, the legislation would reopen the program to new designations of National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. Created by Congress in 1991, the program now has 150 designated roads. The Scenic Byways Program thrived for nearly 20 years before being suspended by efforts to streamline the US Department of Transportation.
Currently, there are at least 44 additional candidates for designation. H.R.5158 now moves to the House floor for further action.
