WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 5, 2026 — Scenic America, the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to preserving and enhancing America’s visual character and scenic beauty, is celebrating the Feb. 2 enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which includes $10 million in dedicated funding for the National Scenic Byways Program, ensuring continued investment in some of the nation’s most scenic, historic, and economically vital roadways.

The legislation passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support and was signed into law by the President on Feb. 3, 2026. The funding will remain available through Sept. 30, 2029, providing long‑term support for communities that steward and enhance designated scenic byways across all 50 states.

“This is a significant and meaningful victory for America’s scenic byways and the communities that depend on them,” said Mark Falzone, president of Scenic America. “At a time when this program faced the real possibility of elimination, bipartisan leadership in Congress recognized the value of preserving these roads that connect us to our history, our landscapes, and one another.”

Scenic America expressed particular gratitude to the members of Congress who worked closely with the organization to ensure the program’s survival during the appropriations process:

• U.S. Rep. Robert Bresnahan (R-PA) — House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, vice chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
• U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) — House Appropriations Committee chair
• U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) — Senate Appropriations Committee chair
• U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) — House Appropriations Committee ranking member
• U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) — Senate Appropriations Committee vice chair
• U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) — House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

“Their leadership and bipartisan commitment were crucial in protecting this funding,” Falzone said. “The National Scenic Byways Program delivers tangible benefits — supporting tourism, strengthening local economies, preserving historic and cultural resources, and enhancing the experience of traveling America’s roads.”

Scenic America also credited its nationwide network of supporters and advocates for engaging lawmakers and reinforcing the importance of continued federal investment in scenic preservation.

“For more than four decades, Scenic America has worked to protect the visual character and scenic beauty of our country,” Falzone added. “This outcome demonstrates what’s possible when citizens and policymakers come together to safeguard the places that make America special.”

Scenic America will continue working with Congress, state partners, and local byway organizations to ensure these funds are put to work preserving the roads that tell America’s stories.