New project proposal for Rt. 4 could bring federal funding to Killington
updated
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 08:50 AM
KILLINGTON - Vermont Agency of Transportation byways program
recently endorsed a new project for long-term beautification
projects in Killington, paving the way for federal funds to support
the endeavor.
In 2010 and 2011, the Town of Killington's Office of Economic
Development & Tourism in conjunction with a coalition of nine
towns along Routes 4 and 100 to have both routes successfully
designated at National Scenic Byways - a designation that brings
with it the ability to have sustainable, regional projects
nationally funded by up to 80 percent.
In the past 20 years, more than $8 million in federal funds have
been granted to Vermont's now eight National Scenic Byways.
Route 4's Crossroad of Vermont byway - which passes from Rutland to
White River Junction and through the heart of Killington - was
recently ranked in the top three applications by the State of
Vermont as worthy of national funding for its Trail Sign &
Guidance Initiative.
"Our goal for this project is to raise awareness of the Byway
program and encourage visitors to seek more information about the
intrinsic qualities and history of the route," says Suzie Dundas,
Crossroad of Vermont Byway Steering Committee Coordinator. "The
high ranking of this project on behalf of our nine towns by the
State leaves us hopeful that the national reviewers will also
recognize the traditional past and enthusiastic future of Vermont
reflected in our Byway's 50-mile stretch."
In addition to creating the Trail Sign and Guidance Initiative, the
Crossroad of Vermont Byway Towns of West Rutland, Rutland City,
Rutland Town, Mendon, Killington, Bridgewater, Woodstock, Hartland
and Hartford are hard at work ensuring that the Byways designation
leads to long-term economic growth and tourism.
The Byway Steering Committee also plans to develop itineraries
along the route and further projects in the coming months and years
to further the national byway goals of community preservation,
increased tourism, and awareness and education throughout the
State.
Final announcements of national funding for projects are expected
to be made in early May of 2012. Any individual or business that
wishes to submit a letter of support for the Trail Sign &
Guidance Initiative should contact the Killington Town Office, or
chambers of any of the Crossroad of Vermont Byway Towns.
Tagged:
Vermont Agencey of Transportation, VTrans, byways program, National Scenic Byways
