Lewes, Delaware Receives Scenic Byway Designation

L to R: Mayor Jim Ford, Dan Parsons, Mark Chura, Mike DiPaulo, Mike Tyler, Gail Van Gilder, Councilwoman Barbara Vaughn, Diane Wilson at today's press conference announcing Lewes' Scenic Byway Designation (Monday June 15th, 2009). The Delaware Department of Transportation has approved the application to designate the Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway as the first State Scenic Byway in Sussex County. This approval was based on the DelDOT's acknowledge-ment of the significant scenic, historic, recreational, natural and archeological qualities that make an enormous contribution to both Delaware History and state tourism. The Lewes Byway is only the fourth State Scenic Byway to be designated as such in Delaware. The Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway is made-up of six roads that form a continuous network of gateways to Lewes from both the land and sea. These roads include Kings Highway, Savannah Road, Gills Neck Road, New Road, Pilottown Road and Cape Henlopen Drive. The Byway designation enables the City of Lewes to apply for federal funding to complete a Corridor Management Plan required as part of the designation process. A grant application for this purpose has been submitted to the Federal Highway Administration. Other grants can be applied for annually to fund preservation activities within the Byway corridor as well as to promote historic and other related tourism opportunities. The designation also enables DelDOT and the community to work with context sensitive design standards that will preserve the scenic and historic qualities of Byway roads when changes need to be made. The Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway will showcase the remarkable 378 year history of the City of Lewes and its surroundings. Each roadway, together with its adjacent landscape, represents a gateway to Lewes that evolved over different period of the area's history. The stunning views found along the designated route illustrate Lewes' natural beauty, maritime origins, and rich history. Special thanks and sincere congratulations to Delaware Greenways and to the Lewes Scenic Byway Committee for their tremendous efforts in obtaining this important designation. Byway Committee members include: Gail Van Gilder (Chair); Councilwoman Barbara Vaughn; Mike Tyler; Dave Ennis; Ronal Smith; Helen Waite; Mike DiPaulo; Dan Parsons, and Diane Wilson. Dave Ennis and Mark Chura speaking at the press conference, held June 15, 2009 at the new Lewes Canalfront Park.