Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) added three new Louisiana designations to the America's Byways collection, a result of Graves' legislation that revived the National Scenic Byways Program and was signed into law by President Trump. In total, this week's announcement included 15 All-American Roads (AAR) and 34 National Scenic Byways (NSB) in 28 states.

"Why do these designations matter? They generate economic development and tourism for some of our most hidden gems in Louisiana. Nowhere else in the country can you spend a day traveling our roads and stumble upon moss-draped cypress, sugarcane fields, historic Cajun towns, a good meal cooked by even better people, and even maybe an alligator tour. Louisiana is America's foreign country and the more we can bring attention to our byways, from Bayou Teche to River Road to Wetlands Cultural, the more our communities will attract tourism which stimulates our small business ecosystems and ignites local economies," Graves said.

"The Louisiana Scenic Trails & Byways are full of unique experiences and trips for visitors to enjoy in every corner of our state. These designations are high honors, and as we look forward to the return of travel, especially the family road trip, we are excited they will provide visitors with an additional reason to explore all the unique stories Louisiana has to offer," Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois said.

"The National Scenic Byways program is a proven driver for rural economic development. Tourism communities across the country are benefitting today from Rep. Graves championing of this important program to help small communities connect with visitors and tell their stories," Monica Smith, President & CEO, Southeast Tourism Society said.

"The National Scenic Byways Program brings new jobs, tourism, and other benefits to communities along these scenic roads. We are grateful to Rep. Graves for his leadership in passing Public Law No. 116-57, The Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act, which made this week's announcement possible," said Scenic America President Mark Falzone. "We congratulate Great River Road National Scenic Byway on their designation as an All-American Road and Boom or Bust Byway and Bayou Teche Scenic Byway on their designation as a National Scenic Byway this week and we are excited to partner with them as they tap into the program's benefits."

In 2019, Graves' bipartisan legislation passed the U.S. House and revived the National Scenic Byways Program. H.R. 831, the Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act of 2019, ensured that there is a process once again for States, tribes, and Federal land management agencies to request National Scenic Byways designations for roads that meet the scenic byways criteria.

Louisiana's new designations:

• Great River Road National Scenic Byway (AAR)
• Boom or Bust Byway (NSB)
• Bayou Teche Scenic Byway (NSB)

The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

Since its inception in 1991, the program has bestowed the National Scenic Byway designation on 184 roads around the country, but the last round of designations occurred ten years ago, and Congress officially pulled support for the program in 2012. A list of all national scenic byways and all-American roads can be found here.

National Scenic Byways have been shown to generate significant economic activity for nearby communities, many of which are small and rural. A 2010 report from the University of Minnesota showed a $21.6 million economic impact from traveler spending along both the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and nearby Lake Country Scenic Byway. A 2013 study of Scenic Byway 12 in Utah found that the byway generated nearly $13 million annually in local spending.

Click here to watch Graves talk about H.R. 831, and here to learn more about Louisiana's Scenic Byways.