March 12, 2013 - Scenic Byway Bill Signed by Governor

 

JACKSON - Gov. Phil Bryant signed into law a measure aimed at promoting Madison County's natural beauty and its history. Authored by Sen. Will Longwitz (R-Madison) and Sen. Kenny Wayne Jones (D-Canton), the bill contains innovative provisions to bring attention to the area.

 

"I'm very proud of Madison County's history, and this bill will help preserve and promote it," said Longwitz. "This was an example of Madison Countians working together for the good of the area we love."

 

The scenic byway program identifies and designates highway, road and street corridors as scenic byways in an attempt to preserve, enhance and protect the state's intrinsic resources for visitors and residents of the state.

 

This particular scenic byway is named the "Gateway to History," and covers 32.8 miles of existing road. The welcome center for the scenic byway is located in Canton and trailheads are placed between Flora and Canton for multi-use trails. In order to qualify for a Mississippi Scenic Byway, intrinsic resources must be located and identified throughout the routes, hence connecting the dots with all of the intrinsic resources on Highway 463 and 22.

 

"It is an extremely stringent process to be designated as a scenic byway," said Phyllis Doby, a leader of the group of preservationists who pushed the measure. "Our committee worked for over a year to make the case that our historic resources deserve this special designation. And, of course, we couldn't have done it without the support and cooperation of our Mayors, Representatives and Senators."

 

"When you look at this area as a whole, you know we have something special," said Jones. "Everybody will benefit from visitors coming to Canton and the rest of Madison County."

 

By Senator Will Longwitz