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January News from Scenic America

The new year is off to a strong start at Scenic America as we celebrate a big victory against the billboard industry in the courts and as we cheer Congress' decision to allocate $20 million for byways in the FY 23 appropriations act. Like many of you, we eagerly await the Federal Highway Administration's announcement of the FY 21 and 22 byways grant awards. Read on for more news and updates, and we look forward to your support and partnership in 2023.

 

Wisconsin Court Upholds Digital Billboard Ban in Madison

A Wisconsin district court affirmed the City of Madison's ban on digital billboards in a decision announced earlier this month, citing Austin v. Reagan.

 

Congress Funds Byways in FY 23 Appropriations Act

The FY 23 appropriations act signed into law late last year includes $20 million for scenic byways, the highest figure since Scenic America led the push for the program's revival.

 

Scenic America President Appointed to Route 66 Commission

Scenic America's Mark Falzone was appointed by President Joe Biden to the Route 66 Centennial Commission, which will develop plans to commemorate the iconic roadway's 100th anniversary in 2026. 

 

Undergrounding Grant Applications Process Underway

The Department of Energy has released updated information about grants being awarded as part of the $5 billion Grid Infrastructure and Resiliency Program. Information and application guidelines are now available via the link below. The application deadline is March 31, 2023.

 

Byways to Explore for Black History Month

Our scenic byways tell the powerful stories of sacrifice, service, tragedy, and triumph of notable figures from Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King, Jr. With Black History Month just around the corner, here are a few routes to explore.

 
 

Scenic Heroes: Lady Bird Johnson

The First Lady's commitment to scenic beauty prompted the passage of the Highway Beautification Act, and her legacy continues to inspire scenic conservation efforts today.

 

Placemaking Spotlight: Main Street Success Stories

Main Street America highlights successful community revitalization efforts in five communities: Washington, DC; Laramie, WY; Livermore, CA; Natchitoches, LA; and Washington, MO.

 

Community Building through Highway Removal

In this post from Transportation for America explores Milwaukee's fascinating plan to remove sections of its highway system to rebuild and restore communities-- and its interest in doing more of this in the future.

 

Scenic Beauty...with a little help from the Beatles

Mark Falzone shared his "Fab Four" picks inspired by Scenic America's mission with Sirius XM's The Beatles Channel in a special segment that aired in December.  

 

Take Action Against Billboards 

If you’d like to see fewer billboards for safer and more scenic communities, take a moment to sigh our petition to stay up to date on more opportunities for action.

 

Remembering Geoffrey Clark

Scenic America mourns the loss of Geoffrey Clark, who passed away on January 8. An accomplished physician and entrepreneur, Jeff was the husband of Martha Fuller Clark, a longtime Scenic America board member and the daughter of one of the organization's co-founders, Marion Fuller Brown.  

 

Help Us Fight the Blight

As the only national organization focused on scenic conservation, Scenic America has a big agenda and a critical job, and we can't do take on this work without your help. Every gift makes an impact. 

 

 

Scenic America
727 15th Street NW Suite 1100,  | Washington, District of Columbia  20005-6029
202.792.1300 | scenic@scenic.org

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