The National Scenic Byways program was established by Congress in 1991 to recognize roads possessing qualities in one or more of six areas: archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic. The goal was to ensure that scenic but perhaps less-traveled roads were preserved and protected, and to promote tourism and economic development.

Congress stopped funding the program in 2012, at which time Rhode Island was home to exactly zero of these roads — one of only four states to be shut out of the program.

From 1991 until 2012, the Department of Transportation’s National Scenic Byways Program designated 150 roads across America as “National Scenic Byways.” The communities receiving the designation were able to generate millions of dollars in economic activity. According to one report, tourists on Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and Lake Country Scenic Byway provided $21.6 million in economic activity for the area — just one of many such examples.

Now Bristol has the opportunity to capitalize on that program. In 2019, Congressman David Cicilline authored a law reopening the nomination and designation process for the program, at the same time Senator Jack Reed revived a competitive grant program for maintenance and marketing. When the opportunity presented itself, Bristol was at the ready with a contestant: the “Revolutionary Heritage Byway.”

The offices of Congressman Cicilline and Senators Reed and Whitehouse announced that week that the local byway, encompassing all of route 114 through town, plus High Street, was selected as Rhode Island’s first National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration. More than a long overdue honor, this means Bristol could compete for a share of federal funds through a National Scenic Byways competitive grant program, a new $16 million public funds stream promoted by Senator Reed.

Bristol and other scenic byways around the country may apply for federal grants to maintain and promote these significant roadways and corridors; make safety improvements; and upgrade facilities to better serve pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

“Bristol is one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Rhode Island, and I’m glad this stretch will finally be recognized as the state’s very first National Scenic Byway,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “Much credit goes to Congressman Cicilline, who led the years-long effort to secure this special designation and the opportunities for federal investment that come with it.”

In order to be eligible for a National Scenic Byway designation, in addition to meeting one of the six qualifications, the community must create a plan to maintain the byway’s natural beauty. That task fell to Diane Williamson, Bristol’s director of community development.

“We worked together with the Rhode Island DOT and the Rhode Island Scenic Roadways Board, who supported the application, and we look forward to continuing to work with them going forward,” said Ms. Williamson. “I am so happy  that our nomination was approved and that Bristol has been recognized nationally for the historic and scenic qualities that make it so special. This designation will help support the Town’s economic development and our tourism and promotion efforts.”