Services Transportation SR 109 Scenic Byway Corridor Managment Planning

The Scenic Byway Corridor Management planning process for SR 109 is in full swing. The plan is funded by National Scenic Byways funds with participation from the Quinault Nation, and the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization. The Grays Harbor Council of Governments (GHCOG), the Quinault Nation, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the communities along the corridor are all partners in the byway planning process.

View the SR 109 Scenic Byway web site at www.scenic109.com for the latest information on the project.

• What is the SR 109 Hidden Coast Scenic Byway Plan?

It is a road corridor plan to enhance the visitor experience and support local communities by identifying opportunities for byway communities to more fully benefit from recreational travel and tourism. Byway plan topics include: visitor services and amenities; recreational access and opportunities; regional themes and identity; byway group organization; and project implementation.

• How will a byway plan help the region?

Byway plans can have a range of benefits for local communities by providing support in three important ways: Improved community cooperation and effectiveness; improved access to grant funding; and, clear communication to WSDOT and other agencies about management priorities.

• How is the byway plan different from other plans for the highway?

Scenic byway plans are more about a great place than they are about a road. Recreational travelers rely on the highway, but the majority of their travel is focused on facilities and resources the highway serves, not on the highway itself. Recreational opportunities, food and lodging, restrooms, and travel information are generally provided by a mix of public agencies and private businesses. The highway is the responsibility of the WSDOT. WSDOT plans focus on keeping the highway safe and maintaining its capacity to handle traffic demands. The scenic byway plan is intended to address the specific needs of recreational travelers.

• Who is responsible for the byway plan, and who will be responsible for implementation?

Scenic byway plans are community-based. That means that both the planning process and implementation of the plan will be guided by community input and leadership. The plan is being funded through a grant awarded to the GHCOG. As part of the planning process the GHCOG has established a community steering committee that will set the direction for the byway plan. An ongoing byway committee will work in partnership with local agencies to organize implementation and seek funding for plan recommendations.

• How can I participate?

If you are interested providing input to the planning process or simply want to see what is happening, visit the project’s dedicated web site at www.scenic109.com. Here you will be able check on our progress and share your project ideas, or use the handy mapping tool help us identify your best loved locations or trouble spots we need to be aware of.