Glenn Highway recognized as scenic byway

Driving down the Glenn Highway into Palmer, it is easy to be taken aback by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Residents and visitors both marvel at the river, the mountain, the glaciers.

The national Department of Transportation has finally taken notice, too.

The Glenn Highway was named as a National Scenic Byway by the DOT last week, much to the delight of Alaska's congressmen, who pushed for the designation in Congress.

"It's great to see Alaska's beauty and pristine landscape recognized -- this acknowledgment will help remind our neighbors in the Lower 48 that Alaska is truly America's Last Frontier," Sen. Ted Stevens said.

Sen. Frank Murkowski said the designation comes as no surprise to somebody who has traveled the route many times.

"Anyone who has ever come off the Alaska Highway and driven to Anchorage knows about the scenic wonders of the Glenn Highway, from the Palmer Hayflats to the glories of Mount Sanford and the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains," Murkowski stated in a press release.

The National Scenic Byway program was created by Congress in 1991 as a way to preserve and protect the most scenic routes in America, and to promote tourism and economic development.

To qualify for the designation, a road must have any one of more than six qualities recognized under the program, including: scenic, natural, recreational, historical, archaeological and culture qualities. The road must have one intrinsic quality that is regionally significant. A panel of scenic byway experts then review applications, and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation -- Norman Mineta -- makes the final decision.

"The Glenn Highway and its ruggedly beautiful landscape tell a story of powerful geological processes and the resourceful people who came to live, trade and travel along the corridor," said Gov. Tony Knowles.

By becoming National Scenic Byways, the Glenn Highway and the Alaska Marine Highway earn far more than just a sign with those designations.

Approximately $25 million in scenic byway grants are available to National Scenic Byways. The grants are used for planning, enhancing and promoting the byways.

"I'm especially pleased that the Alaska Marine Highway and the Glenn Highway have been added to the National Scenic Byways list since my committee's Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century provided a significant amount of money to help support and promote these byways," said Rep. Don Young, chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

The routes are the second and third Alaska transportation systems to be honored at the national level. The Seward Highway was designated as an All-American Road in 2000, making it one of 20 such highways in America.

There are now 75 National Scenic Byways, located in 39 states.