Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item # 6



Columbus Consolidated Government



Council Meeting



05/17/2005



Agenda Report # 72



TO: Mayor and Council



SUBJECT: Georgia Scenic Byway Program



INITIATED BY: Richard Bishop, Deputy City Manager







Recommendation: Approval is requested for the City and Keep Columbus

Beautiful Staff to submit an application for designation of I-185 from

Williams Road to the County Line as a Georgia Scenic Byway.



Background: The Georgia Scenic Byway Program was established by the

Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1993. A Georgia Scenic Byway is

defined as any designated highway, street, road or route which features certain

intrinsic qualities that should be protected or enhanced. Intrinsic qualities

are the resources present along a byway that define its character ,interest,

and appeal. They are the special places, special values and special things

that make the byway what it is . The Georgia Scenic Byway program

incorporates six types of intrinsic qualities that one might encounter along a

roadway: scenic, cultural, natural, archeological, historic and recreational.



The designation process has two stages, the application and the Corridor

Management Plan. The application must demonstrate that the proposed byway meets

the primary criteria for designation and is eligible for inclusion in the

system. Once GDOT determines that the proposed byway qualifies, the applicant

is asked to submit a Corridor Management Plan. The Corridor Management Plan is

established by local citizens and groups along the byway. The Plan will

identify and protect the Byways character. Harris and Troup Counties are also

participating in this effort.



Analysis: Performed during the application process



Financial Considerations: N/A



Legal Considerations: Approval by GDOT



Recommendations/ Actions: Approval of resolution authorizing City and Keep

Columbus Beautiful Staff to make application for designation of I-185 from

Williams Road to the County Line as a Georgia Scenic Byway