News Releases for June 2002
June 13, 2002
For further information, please Contact the Governor’s Office
Sheyenne River Valley Designated North Dakota’s First National Scenic Byway
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced that the Sheyenne River Valley State Scenic Byway near Valley City has been named a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta presented the award today to representatives of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway Committee at Union Station in Washington, D.C.
“The people from Valley City on down to Kathryn and the surrounding area can be very proud,” Hoeven said. “Private citizens have partnered with local, state and federal officials to preserve this very unique route. The scenic byway project reflects the fine character of both our people and our land.”
The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway is a network of roadways extending from the Bald Hill Dam south to Lisbon. This is the first roadway in North Dakota to be designated a National Scenic Byway. The designation brings with it national exposure as a tourist destination in the state. The Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway Committee, which is made up of several Valley City business leaders and tourism advocates, submitted an application for the byway recognition.
The North Dakota Scenic Byway program committee approved the Sheyenne River Valley group’s nomination, and sent it forward to the Federal Highway Administration. The program is the responsibility of the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), which contracts the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department to run the program.
“The theme of the byway is ‘The Hidden Treasure of the Great Plains’, which celebrates the natural beauty of the area,” said NDDOT Director David Sprynczynatyk. “The human relationship with the river was the deciding factor underlying all the qualities an ideal scenic byway should possess.”
The roadway features 31 recognized historic sites pertaining to various moments in North Dakota history. Quaint towns and farmlands lend an American charm to the route.
“Americans love to take 'the scenic route,’ so this National Scenic Byway designation will draw more travelers,” said North Dakota Tourism Division Director Allan Stenehjem. “The scenic designation confirms what we have been saying about the great drive visitors will enjoy through the Sheyenne River Valley.”
One of the highlights of the scenic drive is Fort Ransom State Park, located near the historic town of Fort Ransom, North Dakota. The state park offers hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
“We’ve always known what a treasure Fort Ransom and the Sheyenne River Valley are to the state of North Dakota,” said Parks and Recreation Director Doug Prchal. “Now others will know, thanks to this new national designation.”
Since the roadway’s designation as a state scenic byway, more than $325,000 in grants have been awarded to develop the area for tourism. This includes $80,000 for interpretive displays at the recognized historic sites along the route, and $245,000 to develop and construct the Rosebud Scenic Byway Visitor Center, located in Valley City.
“The designation brings with it the opportunity to apply for seed-money grants to further develop the byway,” Hoeven said. “The scenic byway illustrates once again that North Dakota’s natural beauty can compete on a national level.”
E-mail comments to the Governor
