Copper Rivery Highway Officially Designated Scenic Byway Feb.24th 2011
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
We are very pleased to announce that the Copper River Highway ( from Ferry Terminal to the Million Dollar Bridge) was officially designated an official State of Alaska “Scenic Byway” by Commissioner Marc A. Luiken on Fed 24, 2011. This designation recognizes the spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, natural attributes, recreational opportunities and rich history and culture of the area.
An official designation RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY will be held on Saturday, May 7th 11:30 a.m. to noon at the interpretive kiosk on the Copper River Highway (approx. mile 9 before the airport). Please join us by whatever mode of transport you chose to help celebrate this wonderful occasion. A group bike ride will leave from hospital parking lot at 9:45 a.m. Refreshments will be served. A Cordova commemorative group photograph will be take at noon. Please come and b part of this celebration. SAT. MAY 7th 11:30 to NOON, Kiosk at 9 mile, Copper River Hwy.
WHAT is the National Scenic Byways Program?
Alaska established a Scenic Byways program in 1993 to recognize and celebrate some of the most beautiful landscapes in our state. Administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, this program also recognizes routes that provide access to our most scenic areas, cultural riches and recreational resources.
HOW can the Copper River Highway become a Scenic byway?
A grassroots generated nomination to Alaska DOT&PF begins the process. The Native Village of Eyak, in partnership with the City of Cordova, the Chamber of Commerce, the Cordova Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service, the Copper River Watershed Project, Eyak Corporation and the State of Alaska Cordova Public Health Center have held preliminary discussions on nominating the Copper River Highway, from the ferry terminal to the Million Dollar Bridge, as a State and National Scenic Byway. Public input is the next step in the process. A nomination form must be submitted to AK DOT&PF by March, 2011.
WHY? This designation is NOT a regulatory designation, but brings with it many possibilities for enhancing the corridor through economic development grants for:
*bicycle/pedestrian paths
* informational kiosks
* brochures, maps and guidance to camping and hiking facilities,
* marketing packages, support for existing or new events,
* abatements to impacts from sports fishing (ie. 7 mile)
*Corridor partnership plan
