- April 24, 2024
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The Heritage Crossroads group has mounted an email and call-in campaign to object to a portion of a bill just introduced by U.S. Rep. John Mica, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman.
He has included a line in this bill that would do away with the National Scenic Byways program. This would most likely mean that the states would also do away with their Scenic Byways programs, which are implemented through the Department of Transportation in each state.
We at Heritage Crossroads feel very strongly that this will be very detrimental to economic development and jobs to not only Flagler County but the entire state. The byways system consists approximately 150 named byways throughout the United States. There are seven designated highways in Florida. Marked by “Scenic Highway” signs, these highways are selling points for tourists, both nationally and internationally, to encourage people to “See the U.S.A.”
These visitors realize that the designated highways/byways have been chosen for their beauty, interest and historical significance.
The Heritage Crossroads group, headed by Chairman John Seibel, along with other groups here in Central Florida have worked diligently to promote our area. This repeal would be a devastating blow. In the past, Mr. Mica has been an advocate for promoting Central Florida, including Flagler County. Florida depends very heavily on tourism revenue.
This county have a lot to offer the traveler. Heritage Crossroads has the distinction of receiving the first State Heritage Highway designation from the FDOT. This designation is a part of the Scenic Highways program and includes 92 miles of history of our local highways and byways in Flagler County.
Heritage Crossroads has produced brochures and a map with information of some of the historical highlights to visit here in Flagler County. These are all available at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates and the Flagler Beach Museum.
Please help us get the message to Mica that we do not want the National Byways program eliminated. Visit mica.house.gov and click “Contact” to tell him we want this line eliminated from his transportation bill. Call his Washington, D.C., office at 202-225-4035. When I called this number, I talked to a young man from Volusia County!
Barb Kelly is a director/volunteer with Heritage Crossroads. Visit www.heritagecross roads.org or call 439-1646.
