| The
Alabama Scenic Byway Program identifies three sequential phases
for development of Scenic Byways: Eligibility,
Designation and Implementation.
It is anticipated that each phase will be completed prior to initiation
of the next.
It is anticipated
that the Byway process will begin at the local level through development
of a Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG). Taking a corridor through the
Scenic Byway Eligibility, Designation and Implementation Phases
is a significant work effort. Without strong support at the local
level, it is unlikely that this effort will be completed successfully.
The Corridor Advocacy Group will be the driving force behind this
effort and officially recognized as the controlling body for the
Byway. A formal structure should be provided for the Corridor Advocacy
Group. The efforts of the Corridor Advocacy Group will determine
the difference between successful and unsuccessful Byways. The Corridor
Advocacy Group, as a minimum, must include the following individuals:
- a representative
from the appropriate regional planning commission
- an elected
official from each jurisdiction traversed by the Byway
- a representative
from each local planning agency traversed by the Byway (if applicable).
Membership in
the Corridor Advocacy Group will evolve as the Byway matures and
new opportunities and challenges are identified and addressed. Carrying
a corridor through the Alabama Scenic Byway Program is a challenging
task and the Corridor Advocacy Group must consist of individuals
committed to the success of the Byway who are willing to work hard
for the Byway designation.
The three phases
of the Alabama Scenic Byway Program are briefly described below.
Additional detailed information is and a detailed flow chart of
the process is available if requested.
Eligibility
– The Eligibility Phase determines whether or not a proposed
Byway meets Alabama Scenic Byway standards. It is not enough that
intrinsic resources merely exist along a corridor, they must be
exceptional, significant and distinctive to the point that these
resources are a destination unto themselves. Included in this phase
is identification and mapping of intrinsic resources as well as
initial development of a corridor story for marketing purposes.
This phase provides
adequate information so that the Alabama Scenic Byways Advisory
Council can determine whether or not a corridor meets Program standards
and should be moved forward to the Designation Phase. Proposed Byways
will be reviewed with respect to connectivity and recommendations
made to address such potential for connection.
Designation
– The Designation Phase centers on development of a Corridor
Management Plan (CMP). This phase of the Byway development process
focuses on developing an Action Plan for protecting, enhancing and
managing the resources identified in the Eligibility Phase for both
present and future conditions.
At the conclusion
of this phase the Alabama Scenic Byway Advisory Council determines
whether or not the Corridor Management Plan provides adequate protection
of intrinsic resources; identifies a sustainable Action Plan; and,
documents broad based community support for the Byway. If the Byway
meets these standards and others, it is recommended for implementation.
Implementation
– The Implementation Phase begins the physical and policy
implementation of the Scenic Byway. It takes the actions identified
in the Designation Phase and initiates protection and enhancement
of the Byway intrinsic resources. At the initiation of this phase
the Byway is physically recognized with the installation of Alabama
Scenic Byway signage.
The Implementation
Phase does not end with posting signage, developing an Action Plan
or even constructing enhancements along the Byway. It is a continuous
process that includes implementation of actions identified in the
Corridor Management Plan, as well as annual updates to the Corridor
Management Plan to reflect changing conditions along the Byway.
more
Guidelines

Alabama
Scenic Byways | info@alabamabyways.org
c/o Alabama Association of Regional Councils
5900 Carmichael Road| Montgomery, AL 36117| 334.277.2221 |