Rural Roads Program Update

February 2020
County Executive Jan Gardner announced plans to refresh the county’s Rural Roads Program. To kick off the effort, she has invited stakeholders to participate in a public roundtable discussion to discuss how best to reshape the program so that it balances the unique maintenance needs of the often-unpaved scenic roadways with the community’s goals to preserve and protect the scenic and historical qualities of the roads and nearby land. “Our rural roads offer outstanding views of rolling farmland and natural features, and they provide access to our historic resources,” said Executive Gardner. “I want to focus on these hidden gems and what we can do to enhance their appeal while ensuring safe travel for local residents and visitors alike.” Representatives from several interest groups will meet for the Rural Roads Roundtable. They will discuss possible new criteria for rural roads and for scenic roads, the process to consider adding new roads or taking roads out of the program, how and whether to promote these roads for tourism, and the priorities that should be considered when maintaining these special roadways.