In selecting projects, the FHWA will consider projects that can demonstrate a value-added livability component. In recognition that livable communities are affected at the projects' level, the FHWA invites projects that:

• Integrate corridor management planning with larger transportation and community planning efforts that will improve mobility within and among byway communities;
• Increase access to jobs, health and social services, tourism and educational opportunities; and
• Projects that improve mobility by providing alternatives to vehicular travel along byways that enhance the visitor experience.

The FHWA continues to be open to more strategic investments for the FY 2010 National Scenic Byways Program grant awards process by further targeting funding resources toward projects that provide the greatest benefits. In addition, the FHWA will focus on projects with substantial benefits and will welcome applications of large-scale high-cost projects that provide strategic benefits within the National Scenic Byways Program.

Before submitting an application, please note there are 8 categories of eligible project activities, which are described below:

• State and Indian Tribe Scenic Byway Programs
  An activity related to the planning, design, or development of a State or Indian tribe scenic
  byway program.
• Corridor Management Plan
  Development and implementation of a corridor management plan to maintain the scenic,
  historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological characteristics of a byway corridor
  while providing for accommodation of increased tourism and development of related amenities.
• Safety Improvements
  Safety improvements to a State scenic byway, Indian tribe scenic byway, National Scenic
  Byway, or All-American Road to the extent that the improvements are necessary to
  accommodate increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles using the highway as a
  result of the designation as a State scenic byway, Indian tribe scenic byway, National Scenic
  Byway, or All-American Road.
• Byway Facilities
  Construction along a scenic byway of a facility for pedestrians and bicyclists, rest area, turnout,
  highway shoulder improvement, overlook, or interpretive facility.
• Access to Recreation
  An improvement to a scenic byway that will enhance access to an area for the purpose of
  recreation, including water-related recreation.
• Resource Protection
  Protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archeological resources in an
  area adjacent to a scenic byway.
• Interpretive Information
  Development and provision of tourist information to the public, including interpretive
  information about a scenic byway.
• Marketing Program
  Development and implementation of a scenic byway marketing program.

For more information on submitting an application to the National Scenic Byways Program for funding consideration, please visit their Byways Web site.