Frederick County Board of Commissioners Passes Resolution in Support of Journey Through Hallowed Ground All-American Road Plan

For Immediate Release  
December 23, 2008
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Waterford, Virginia—In a public hearing on December 9, 2008, the Frederick County, Maryland Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership’s (JTHG) effort to designate the 175-mile corridor following Routes 15/20/231 from Gettysburg to Monticello as an All-America Road by the Federal Highway Administration.

Having previously secured National Scenic Byway designation for Rt. 15 in Frederick County, the Board of Commissioners took the next step in the JTHG Partnership’s Corridor Management Plan, which would elevate national recognition of these historic and recreational attractions even further. The JTHG Partnership’s Corridor Management Plan is a collaborative effort between every community in the 175-mile corridor that has included participation from thousands of citizens, developers, elected officials, representatives of the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, as well as federal officials.

The plan was developed over a span of 20 months and through more than 60 community-input sessions with the final version reflecting the interest of each jurisdiction. The Corridor Management Plan outlines the intrinsic qualities of the corridor that make the region worthy of designation and details how each community seeks to enhance its unique heritage, cultural and scenic attractions. The Plan serves as both a short-term action plan and a long-term vision for the corridor.

“The resolutions passed by the Board of Commissioners will play a critically important role in obtaining this prestigious designation, said Cate Magennis Wyatt, president of the Journey Partnership. “This designation will help bolster the many efforts made by countless citizens within the Frederick area to ensure the cultural fabric of their community is maintained.”

“The Frederick County Board of Commissioners’ vote was an affirmation of the important work we have been able to achieve through The JTHG Partnership’s collaborative, four-state, initiative,” said Kai Hagen, Frederick County Commissioner. “We know that if this All-American Road designation is granted – and by no means is it guaranteed -- then rightful recognition will be given by the Federal Highway Administration to our communities, our heritage and our efforts to share our unparalleled stories with visitors throughout this country.”

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of these six intrinsic qualities: historic, cultural, natural, scenic, recreational, archaeological. To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and contain one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road must also be considered a "destination unto itself.” That is, the Byway must be the primary destination for a trip, and must provide an exceptional travel experience. Only 27 All-American Roads in 44 states have received the prestigious recognition. Once selected, these roads are promoted under The Federal Highway Administration’s America's Byways® marketing and also be eligible for additional funding for beautification and heritage tourism

Similar resolutions have been passed in Pennsylvania by the Adams County Board of Commissioners, Cumberland Township and the Borough of Gettysburg ; in Virginia by the Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Culpeper, Orange and Albemarle Boards of Commissioners as well as the Town Councils of Leesburg, Warrenton, and Charlottesville.