National grant awarded to A1A Byway

This week the Federal Highway Administration announced to Historic City News that an award has been granted to the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway for $560,000 under the National Scenic Byways Program.

There were three awards in Florida and 94 nationwide. Grants totaled $40,672,156 and were for the 2010 grant cycle. 39 States received funding awards, three of which were in Florida.

Flagler County will match the A1A Byway award for an additional $140,000. This $700,000 grant allows for Greenway Enhancement Projects specifically improving recreational access along the A1A Byway at River to Sea Preserve and Varn Park in Flagler County.

The Preserve is the upcoming site for the 2nd Annual Environmental Education Fair soon to occur on May 21st in the Town of Marineland.

The Friends of A1A selects viable projects consistent with the Corridor Management Plan and seeks funding sources to fill the need. The Federal Highway Administration considers coastal recreational qualities — a distinguishing feature for A1A.

Other projects from the 2007 grant cycle are now making themselves visible to the public – most to be completed by June 2010. They include: the Northern Gateway Monument at Ponte Vedra; Windswept Acres Park Interpretive Signage on South Anastasia Island; Pope Road Scenic Overlook and Pier Park Kiosk in St. Augustine Beach; and Flagler Beach Observation Tower on the Pier.

For the 2011 funding cycle, Friends of A1A will seek funds for installing the Wayfinding Signs endorsed by stakeholders through a planning grant which allowed for the design and master plan.

The A1A Byway is also the site of the upcoming Florida Scenic Highway Conference in downtown St. Augustine on June 8, 9, and 10.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer