(R) Congressman Garret Graves - District 6
Congressman Garret Graves legislation that would revive the National Scenic Byways program flew through the House with little opposition, potentially reopening a program that would protect and promote two iconic wilderness trails in Louisiana. Graves says reopening the program will help drum up more interest in Louisiana for nature tourists.
“There are people who chose these national designations when they go on trips, and only visit these scenic byways.”
Louisiana hosts two scenic byways, the Creole Nature Trail that winds through the wetlands of the southwest, and the Great River Road that accompanies the Mississippi River.
Graves says by reopening the program, they’ll have the opportunity to hopefully get additional areas of the state designated and protected. He says major, nationally recognized designations like this can help put unknown cultural treasurers on the map, and pump millions into rural communities.
“Some of these small towns, unique cultures, have so much to offer, and are just great places for folks to come see us, understand us, and see what we have to offer for this country.”
The bill passed 404-19, and Graves says even in the midst of a contentious debate over the southern border, positive legislation can still make it through with bi-partisan support.
“The potential shutdown is certainly taking up the majority of our time and bandwidth, but you know we can do more than one thing at a time. I think it is important to work on other legislation to show that you can cooperate and make progress.”
The bill is headed to the Senate.
