WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $618,562 to the Bureau of Planning at the Maine Department of Transportation for Scenic Byway projects across the state.

The funding will be distributed as follows:

. $78,000 for the Schoodic National Scenic Byway project to construct a visitor gateway on the eastern terminus of the Schoodic National Scenic Byway.

. $25,000 for the Schoodic National Scenic Byway project for planning and administrative initiatives.

. $108,000 for improvements to Old Canada Road Scenic Byway to improve three rest areas.

. $270,762 for the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway project to build an overlook, parking area and walking path for travelers at the renowned Height of Land on Route 17.

. $80,000 for the Grindstone Scenic Byway strategic corridor management plan to develop the Grindstone Scenic Byway as a tourist destination.

. $32,000 to develop a corridor management plan for Grafton Notch Scenic Byway and Route 27 Scenic Byway.

. $24,000 for the Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway corridor management plan to develop the scenic byway by coordinating local communities and federal agencies to manage and preserve the area.