10.08 - Scenic Byway Request - Laserfiche WebLink

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: CONTACT: Lynn Scharenbroich, Chair Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association 218-543-4714 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Is Minnesota's Newest National Scenic Byway Crow Wing County—The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway has been designated as a National Scenic Byway,becoming the state's seventh nationally recognized scenic route. The designation was made by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration during a special ceremony Sept. 22 in Washington, D.C. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-MN, made the presentation to Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway representatives Lynn Scharenbroich and Linda Ulland who participated in the 2-day designation event. Oberstar is considered the"father"of the scenic byways program, spearheading the legislation that was authorized in 1991. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway was recognized specifically for its recreational qualities with the folklore of Paul Bunyan woven into the stories of the Byway. Application reviewers said this was an application they found"fun"to read. And that is exactly what Byway representatives intended. "We want people to have fun when they travel the route," said Association chair Lynn Scharenbroich. The national designation will increase awareness of the region. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway will now be promoted on a national level, including inclusion on America's Byways maps and the national website, { HYPERLINK "http://www.byways.org" 1. It also means the Byway will be eligible for additional federal funding, plus technical assistance and support. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a 54-mile double loop route that circles the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the northern edge of Pelican Lake. It travels through the communities of Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Crosslake, and Pine River. With this designation,the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway becomes one of 145 America's Byways. -30-