Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are we doing a Corridor Management Plan (CMP)?
The CMP is a “grass roots” level participation project in which local desires and issues are documented to serve as a planning guide for the designated route.

2. Who is paying for the development of the CMP?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is funding 80% of the costs as part of a discretionary grant. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is funding the remaining 20% costs.

3. Why is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) involved?
Most, if not all states which have a scenic roads program get heavy support from FHWA which distributes money to support the development of state scenic road programs and the National Scenic Byways program.

4. What is the National Scenic Byways program?
The National Scenic Byways program is a collection of state designated routes which applied for and received national designation as an All American Road or National Scenic Byway. The program is administered by FHWA.

5. What is the difference between an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway?
All-American Roads are the elite of the National Scenic Byways. They typically have a more developed level of traveler facilities, services and interpretive opportunities. They are also considered to be a “destination unto themselves.” This means that the traveling public would go on that particular route just to be on that route. An example of an All-American Road includes Route One, Big Sur Coast Highway, located in California.

6. Does Arizona have any All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways?
Yes, State Route 67 is designated as the “Kaibab Plateau - North Rim Parkway – National Scenic Byway."

7. Why are there no others in this state?
To be considered for national designation three things are needed:
     -The state department of transportation (ADOT) must designate the route.
     -You must have a completed Corridor Management Plan in place.
     -You must have a completed national designation application submitted to FHWA.

     Note: National designations are made every couple of years.

8. If we complete the CMP does that mean we will nominate the route for national designation?
Not necessarily. At this time, ADOT policy is to only forward applications that have consensus in applying for national designation. Again, both FHWA and ADOT want this to be a “grass roots level” program.

9. What are some of the benefits of national designation?
Benefits include grant money, free advertising and support. The FHWA administers the National Scenic Byways Grant Program. Approximately $26 million per year is distributed to states to support the state and national programs. Routes designated on the national level have priority for funding over state designated routes. There is also a marketing coordinator to market the routes on a national and international level and a Byways Resource Center to support nationally designated routes.

10. How long does the CMP process take?
Generally 1.5 to 2 years.

11. If I have questions on the Arizona program, who should I contact?
ADOT Transportation Enhancement & Scenic Roads Sectiion
205 S. 17th Ave., Room 201, MD609E
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.712.7774; Fax: 602.712.3347

12. If I have questions on the national program, who should I contact?
Ron Hill – Right of Way Officer
Federal Highway Administration, Arizona Division
One Arizona Center, Suite 410
400 East Van Buren Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004-2285
ronald.m.hill@fhwa.dot.gov
Phone: 602.379.3646; Fax: 602.379.3608