FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2002
CONTACT: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-731-5090
US-23
closer to becoming designated
as a recreational heritage route
Highway could be named Sunrise Side Coastal Highway thanks to Rep. Sheltrown
The Michigan Department of Transportation has laid the groundwork for designating US-23 as a recreational heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City along the Lake Huron shoreline of northeast Michigan.
MDOT's Heritage Route program requires involvement by local residents to ensure their highway and roadsides remain in their natural and unspoiled condition.
"This designation is great news for northeast Michigan," said State Transportation Director Gregory J. Rosine. "A lot of effort has been put into this project. This will be a great way to honor a part of the state that has its own unique charm."
"I've worked long and hard with the various communities and government entities to gain support for the heritage route concept," said State Representative Dale Sheltrown. "We're almost there. We should prepare for the day that all stakeholders are supportive and when US-23 is called the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway - one of Michigan's newest Heritage Routes!"
Designating a state highway as a recreational heritage route captures the recreational setting of the area plus sets the mood and direction of the recreational experience.
"We've been closely involved in the entire process of promoting and educating communities on the benefits of designation," said Tom Ferguson, executive director of the Michigan Sunrise Side Travel Association. "We're well on our way to something big for all of northeast Michigan," said Ferguson.
The benefits of gaining the heritage route status include the following:
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