Project Description
The Essex Heritage Scenic Byway is designated as a state scenic byway. In April 2009, with funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byway Program and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works, the Essex National Heritage Commission launched an initiative that will result in the creation of a corridor management plan (CMP) for the byway.
Developed with substantial community involvement, an effective corridor management plan will identify strategies for preserving and enhancing the byway’s scenic, cultural, historic, recreational, and natural qualities, and for promoting and marketing the byway, including local businesses, visitor sites and attractions. In addition to being a useful tool for the communities, a corridor management plan is a prerequisite for attaining designation as a National Scenic Byway, which will bring added recognition and possibly additional federal funding to the route and the region.
Essex Heritage has contracted with an experienced team of consultants, led by Taintor & Associates of Newburyport to assist with preparation of the corridor management plan. A Corridor Advisory Group, composed of representatives from the 13 communities as well as other regional organizations will provide direction and guidance on the CMP. Additional public involvement will include the creation of six sub-regional Local Advisory Groups as well as public meetings. The entire planning process is expected to take 21-months, concluding by March 2011.
After the completion of the Corridor Management Plan, an application to designate the byway as a National Scenic Byway will be forwarded to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for federal designation. Designation as a byway enables sponsors access to a variety of promotional and marketing support, and to apply for program-affiliated grants to help enhance the visitor experience through implementation projects such as developing a unified signage system, creating wayside exhibits, and designing self-guided tours. Once designated, the byway will also be featured in the U.S. Department of the Interior's byway website and in other state and national tourism materials and maps.
