12-mile stretch first tribal road in U.S. awarded 'scenic' status"
By DAVID AMMONS
The Spokesman-Review.com
April 18, 2002
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- "The Makah Tribe, which owns the scenic
northwest
tip of Washington, now offers visitors the state's first
tribal-sponsored scenic byway.
The state Transportation Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved
designation of the tribe's 12-mile-long reservation road as the Cape
Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway.
The byway is the first tribal road in the state or nation to be awarded
the "scenic" status and could bring federal designation and planning
dollars, said Judy Lorenzo, manager of the state's Heritage Corridors
Program.
The road begins where the Strait of Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway
ends, on Washington 112 west of Sekiu. It takes visitors into Neah Bay,
the tribe's fishing, whaling, cultural and commercial center and then
heads out to the Pacific coast, ending at Cape Flattery.
Tribal leaders, including Council Vice Chairman Nate Tyler and
transportation planner Blanchard Matte, told the commission the scenic
designation is part of the tribe's vision of bringing new prosperity to
the reservation.
The byway will feature the Makah Cultural and Research Center,
including
artifacts found at the ancient Ozette Village archaeological sites, the
fishing village, the rugged scenic beauty of the coastline and abundant
natural resources, the tribe said.
Commissioner George Kargianis applauded the tribe for opening its arms
to visitors. "It's a win-win for everybody," he said.
Transportation Secretary Douglas MacDonald said the pact is an
important
milestone in government-to-government cooperation.
The route becomes part of a statewide system covering more than 3,000
miles of scenic highways -- 56 designated routes in all, said program
manager Paula Connelley."