FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Resource Center do? Can someone come here and do a strategic plan for my byway? Find out here and learn how America’s Byways Resource Center supports the dedicated people who manage these treasured routes.
- Q. What does America's Byways Resource Center do?
- A. The Resource Center provides information and assistance about managing byways. We maintain a collection of physical resources, such as examples of corridor management plans, marketing plans and collateral materials. Our talented and dedicated staff is also available to coach and encourage individuals and groups managing byways. Four byways specialists are the points of contact for specific regions of the country, and they are eager to assist you.
- Q. Why is the Resource Center located in Duluth, Minnesota?
- A. In the early years of ISTEA, the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), a seven-county regional planning organization in Duluth, Minnesota, was working with byway supporters along then State-designated Edge of the Wilderness Byway. ARDC provided specific planning assistance and technical support to the communities and county, State and Federal agencies cooperatively developing a corridor management plan and preparing byway designation applications.
The Edge of the Wilderness Byway was one of the first 20 nationally designated byways in the country. Its local officials requested additional support and expressed interest in other byways. ARDC staff proposed a national resource center to provide technical assistance and to connect nationally designated byways through conferences, technology and personal assistance. With support from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, members of Congress and others, the 1998 TEA-21 transportation bill authorized ARDC to establish a national scenic byways resource center. - Q. How is the America's Byways Resource Center connected to FHWA?
- A. The America’s Byways Resource Center is a joint initiative of FHWA and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. ARDC, located in Duluth, Minnesota, has a cooperative agreement with FHWA to manage the America’s Byways Resource Center. Funds for the Resource Center are authorized by Congress and come from the Highway Trust Fund.
- Q. Why are there three websites for byways?
- A. The Federal Highway Administration operates and maintains two websites. The first is http://www.byways.org/, a website for travelers and the media. A second website, http://www.bywaysonline.org/, is for professionals, staff and others concerned with the business of byways. It provides information about grants, designations, forums and national marketing administered by Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program staff.
The newest website, http://www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/, is presented by America’s Byways Resource Center as an educational and informational resource for the byway community. Like a “virtual byway specialist,” the site helps byway managers learn about topics of interest to byways and training opportunities. - Q. Can someone come here and do a strategic plan for my byway?
- A. Yes and no. The America’s Byways Resource Center provides special assistance to byway organizations along nationally designated byways. We supply information and resources on topics of importance to a successful byway. Our staff teaches and trains, offering best practices and other tools to guide your efforts. We don’t do the work for byways. That’s counter to the grassroots premise of the Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways Program. Talk with the byways specialist for your State. We’re here to help you achieve your goals.
- Q. Do you have examples of strategic plans, marketing plans or corridor management plans?
- A. The Resource Center can connect you with an array of plans and products produced by other byways. This website also showcases submissions from byways in the Byways Portfolio. While the Resource Center does not endorse these products, they are real examples of work from existing byways that can serve as a resource to other groups.