Date:  Thursday, January 07, 2010

Contact: Paula Reeves, WSDOT Community Design Assistance, 360-705-7258

OLYMPIA – People with an interest in our state’s Scenic and Recreational Highway system can help shape the future of those highways through a collaborative process to update the State Scenic and Recreational Highways Plan. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has posted the draft plan for public review and comment on its Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/ScenicByways/BywaysPlan. WSDOT will also hold public hearings to take comments on the plan in late January.

The updated plan includes strategies for designating scenic highways, enhancing public access to these areas, and protecting and preserving some of the state’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes, including scenic, natural, recreational, cultural and historic resources. These strategies were developed jointly by WSDOT; affected counties, cities and towns; regional transportation planning organizations; tribes; scenic byway organizations; and other local, state and federal agencies. The plan will help satisfy state and federal requirements and ensure consistency with federal policy.

Comments about the plan can be submitted online (http://eefmapps.wsdot.wa.gov/fmi/xsl/PlanningComments/default.xsl), via e-mail: ReevesP@wsdot.wa.gov or in writing: WSDOT, Highways & Local Programs Division, PO Box 47390, Olympia WA 98504-7390. Comments will also be taken during public hearings held on:

January 25, 4 – 6 p.m.
WSDOT, Area 1 Maintenance Office
2830 Euclid Avenue
Wenatchee

January 26, 4 – 6 p.m.
WSDOT, Transportation Building, Commission Boardroom
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
Olympia

January 27, 4 – 6 p.m.
WSDOT, Northwest Region Headquarters
15700 Dayton Avenue N.
Shoreline

All comments received by Monday, March 8 will be considered prior to publishing the final plan.

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