Three national policy issues are suggested for consideration by those concerned with making informed policy decisions in transportation, particularly in the area of scenic byways: Should there be a national scenic byways program? Should there be a nationally identified scenic byways system? Should scenic byways be eligible for increased federal funding or a special category of federal funding? Whether the answers to these policy issues are "yes or "no", certain data are needed if the states are to continue or begin scenic byways programs. Specific data and sources are suggested for use by those charged with scenic byways marketing, selection/designation, corridor protection/enhancement, and maintenance. Economic impact data are of legitimate interest to all levels of government as well as the private sector. Data needs and sources are suggested in this paper. Because there is virtually no information available on the economic impact of scenic byways, it is recommended that economic impact data be gathered for several years and a series of economic impact models be developed and refined as the data become available.
Abstract