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TALIMENA SCENIC BYWAY The U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and Federal Highway Acting Administrator J. Richard Capka announced the designation of Talimena Scenic Drive as an American Byway in an official ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 22, 2005. A total of 8 All-American Roads and 37 National Scenic Byway designations were announced, bringing the total number in the America’s Byway collection to 125.
The 54 mile byway, located between Mena, Arkansas, on the eastern border and Talihina, Oklahoma, on the western border is located within the Ouachita National Forest and winds its way along the mountain ridges characteristic of the area. “This is a tremendous cultural and promotional opportunity for Arkansas and Oklahoma because the new designation will increase awareness of our region,” said Alan Newman, Ouachita National Forest Supervisor. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FWHA). The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. In comments today, Mena Mayor Jerry Montgomery stated, “I am very excited about the National designation and feel that it will prove to be a huge boost to our local and regional tourist industry and economic development efforts. It is a great honor for the Talimena Scenic Drive to be chosen.” Vera Nelson, Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Talihina said, “According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 80% of all travel in the United States is by car and many Americans enjoy the driving experience that our region has to offer.”
Talimena National Scenic Byway
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