The Journey Through Hallowed Ground, the 175-mile route from Monticello to Gettysburg, just got a big financial boost from the federal government.
The history-laced road of natural beauty could earn an even bigger title next week.
Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez announced $40.7 million in federal grants for 169 road projects in 43 states in a news release Friday. Included were two grants to improve and enhance Virginia roads: $214,400 for the Journey and $250,352 for Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
The Journey is a nonprofit, four-state public-private partnership based in Waterford. Its route, already a Virginia Scenic Byway, traverses Orange and Culpeper counties generally along U.S. 15 and Route 231, passing James Madison’s Montpelier and notable black history sites along with important places in Revolutionary War and Civil War history.
On Oct. 16, Journey officials will learn if the route has earned the more prestigious National Scenic Byway designation already in place for Skyline Drive.
“I join (transportation) secretary (Ray) LaHood in his commitment to protecting and promoting roads that are American icons,” said Mendez. “We are proud to help tell each road’s unique story.”
A National Scenic Byway recognizes and provides funding for roads that have outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities. Since 1992, the program has awarded nearly $388 million for 2,832 projects in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
John Jones with JTHG said the National Scenic Byway designation is one of the highest an American road can earn.
Last year, President George W. Bush signed legislation endorsing the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, the 38th such designation nationwide.
The heritage area recognizes the unparalleled cultural, historic and scenic resources within the entire JTHG corridor—the region that generally follows the Old Carolina Road from Gettysburg, Pa. through Maryland, to Monticello in Albemarle County.
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