National Scenic Byways Program

National Scenic Byways Program
Current Law	Administration Proposal H.R. 2088 & S. 1072 as Modified SAFETEA of 2003	House H.R. 3 as Passed House TEA-LU	Senate H.R. 3 as Passed Senate SAFETEA of 2005
	Section 1605		Section 1602
Discretionary program funded at $148 million over 6 years	Funds program over 6 years.	Funds program at $281.5 M over 6 years	Continues program at $174.6 M over 5 years
Grants awarded for eligible projects on designated highways; and to plan, design, and develop a State scenic byway program.	No change from current law	No change from current law	Provides grants and technical assistance to States and Indian tribes for eligible projects on designated highways; and to plan, design and develop a State or Indian scenic byway program.
Federal share 80%; Federal land management agency funds may be used for match on projects on Federal or Indian lands.	Federal share remains at 80% except that research, technical assistance, marketing and promotion projects may be up to 100%.	No change from current law	Federal share is 80%, the sliding scale adjustment to the Federal share may be used. Federal share for research, technical assistance, marketing and promotion projects may be up to 100%
Construction of passing lanes eligible for funding.	Eliminates eligibility for construction of passing lanes.	No change from current law	Eliminates eligibility for construction of passing lanes.
Funds may be used for technical assistance and outreach and grants. Funding for Center for National Scenic Byways included in TEA-21 §1215(b).	Funds may be used for research, technical assistance, marketing and promotion projects and activities through grants and contracts with a variety of entities, including the Center for National Scenic Byways in Duluth, Minnesota. Priority given to partnerships that leverage funds.	No change from current law except that funding is authorized in addition to Scenic Byway Program funds to support the America's Byways Resource Center (new name) established under TEA-21 §1215(b). [1811]	Funds may be used for research, technical assistance, marketing and promotion projects and activities through grants and contracts with a variety of entities. Does not specify funding for Center for National Scenic Byways. Secretary may not use more than $1.8 M of program funds per fiscal year to carry out projects under this subsection.
All American Roads (AARs) and National Scenic Byways (NSBs) designated in accordance with criteria developed by the Secretary.	Recognizes the inclusive term "America's Byways," that encompasses both NSBs and AARs.	No change from current law	Priority will be given to projects associated with highways designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads, America's Byways, State scenic byways, or Indian scenic byways.

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