STATE TO DESIGNATE SCENIC BYWAYS

PERRYVILLE -- In today's world, most people want to get from Point A to Point B in the least amount of time possible.

The Missouri Department of Transportation wants to take them on a less direct route, one that passes the state's natural beauty and historic landmarks.

The Missouri General Assembly passed legislation in 1996 that allowed the creation of a scenic byways program through the Transportation Department. The department recently formed a committee to take applications from local governments.

If the applications are approved, the routes will be marked with special signs and promoted by the state as tourist attractions.

Ron Steele, a planner with the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission in Perryville, said his agency already has some experience in picking scenic byways. In a development plan for Madison County, Route E between Highways 67 and 21 was marked as a special route.

"It is a beautiful drive with several examples of Midwestern barn architecture," Steele said. "Some of it runs along the St. Francois River and Black Mountain. And there's great access from both ends."

He said even though people are rushed, some will welcome the opportunity to jump on a designated scenic route. He has done so himself in Colorado, where a 19-mile stretch of road runs over the tops of mountains.

"It doesn't take me anywhere, but if you are on vacation, it is something you might want to do," Steele said.

Marking byways in Missouri will allow promotion in the American Association of Retired Persons' and the American Automobile Association's travel guides. That will go a long way toward getting people on the byways, Steele said.

Perhaps while on them, they will stop at local stores.

Mary Miller, director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, said she is interested in applying for the program. Tourists could be routed through the Trail of Tears State Park along the Mississippi River.

She said drivers will appreciate the opportunity to get off dull interstates and highways.

"I think there is a greater need for scenic byways as our society speeds up," Miller said. "They give you a respite from hectic, day-to-day life. We need to put balance in our lives, and scenic byways let you see Mother Nature."

Applications for a scenic byway should include a map of the route, information about why it should be considered and a list of activities and sights along the route.

Applicants also will have to develop a plan to maintain and improve the route.

For more information, write: Missouri Department of Transportation, Scenic Byway Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.