WASHINGTON – Eight Maine projects have been awarded $431,920 in National Scenic Byways discretionary funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“These roads represent the beauty of Maine and the distinctive qualities that characterize our magnificent state,” said U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins in a joint statement announcing the funding.

“Maine residents and visitors alike will be well served by this federal funding,” said U.S. Rep. John Baldacci in a separate release.

The roads were selected for National Scenic Byways funding because they are exceptional roads through areas that exemplify regional characteristics. They possess distinctive cultural, historic, natural or other qualities unique among neighboring states. Under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), approximately $25 million is available annually through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration for the scenic byways discretionary grant program. The funds may be used for planning as well as enhancing and promoting the byways. FHWA manages the program.

The following Maine roads were targeted to receive funds:

. Acadia Scenic Byway, Hancock County – a $24,000 grant will be used to complete a feasibility study for a bikeway, develop standards and guidelines for placement of utility poles and tree trimming in order to preserve scenic views; complete a signage study; and prepare a self-guided walking tour and pamphlet along the byway.

. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, Somerset County – a $25,000 grant will be used for byway staff to coordinate volunteer activities, work with stakeholders to identify and carry out priority projects, develop parameters for byway interpretive and marketing programs, and participate in related training and conferences. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway is being organized as a nonprofit corporation, working in concert with Mountain Counties Heritage Inc.

. Old Canada Road Byway – $228,000 for a feasibility study of a gateway facility at the northern end of the byway, in the Jackman area; and design and land acquisition for a gateway facility at the southern end of the byway, at the Madison-Solon town line. Facilities will welcome visitors to more fully understand and enjoy associated scenic, recreational, and historical resources.

. Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Franklin and Oxford counties – $25,000 in funding is provided to implement the second year of the Rangeley Lakes byway corridor management plan, including identifying ways to improve resource protection; work to expand awareness of the byway; and plan enhancements to facilities through development of a visitor center, parking, picnic tables, outhouses, trails, or interpretive signage.

. Schoodic Scenic Byway – $24,000 in funding to monitor and carry out the byway corridor management plan.

. Schoodic Scenic Byway – $40,800 in funding for construction of scenic turnouts, information kiosks, a restroom facility, and interpretive and directional signage along the byway.

. Route 27 Scenic Byway – $34,400 in funding for improvements to State Route 27 in Eustis and Kingfield, including construction of a new scenic turnoff at Flagstaff Lake, and development of appropriate “traffic calming” techniques in Kingfield and Stratton.

. Electronic Interpretive Information on Scenic Byways – $30,720 in funding for development of interpretative information for four scenic byways in the mountain region of Maine, including Old Canada Road Scenic Byway; Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway; State Route 26; and State Route 27. The project provides for research, enhanced Web design, incorporation of interactive maps and creative materials, and a link to the tri-state intelligent transportation system (ITS) network being developed by Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Through the ITS plan, information will be available not only through roadside electronic kiosks, but also through personal electronic communications devices.