WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak announced two grants totaling $260,350 were awarded to scenic byway projects in Iosco, Chippewa and Luce Counties.  The funding was provided by the Federal Highway Administration through the National Scenic Byways Program.

“Tourism is an important component of Northern Michigan’s economy and these grants will help visitors explore and enjoy these scenic byways and communities as they travel across Iosco County and Chippewa and Luce Counties,” Stupak said.  “Our byways showcase the many treasures Michigan has to offer and I am pleased the Federal Highway Administration has recognized their importance in awarding these grants.”

The River Road Wayfinding and Interpretive Signs project received $80,550 to update the interpretive and wayfinding signs along the River Road National Forest Scenic Byway in Iosco County.  The byway extends 22.5 miles westward from US-23 in Oscoda to M-65.  The U.S. Forest Service and Oscoda Township will install new site identification signs, entrance signs and route markers that will display the National Scenic Byway logo, identifying River Road as a unique travel way to be explored.  This project is a continuation of a signing project that began under a previous grant.

The Developing Tahquamenon Story project received $179,800 to educate and engage visitors traveling along the Tahquamenon Scenic Heritage Route, a 63 mile span located along M-123 in Chippewa and Luce Counties.  Two Ojibwa learning lodges, an audio tour, maps and interpretive panels will provide an opportunity to learn about, view and experience Ojibwa heritage as well as the natural surroundings along the route.  The Michigan Department of Transportation will administer the grant.

The grants are part of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program, which recognizes and provides funding for roads designated either locally or nationally as having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities.

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