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StumbleLas Vegas Blvd. north of Strip named Scenic Byway
Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 | 11:10 a.m.
Las Vegas Blvd.
A stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that goes through downtown has been designated a National Scenic Byway, the city of Las Vegas announced today.
The primary qualifying factor was the large amount of neon signage along the boulevard from Washington to Sahara avenues, the city said. It was also recognized for its cultural, historic and nighttime scenic amenities.
The designation means the city can apply for more federal grants to add neon signs along the corridor. It also means the stretch of road will be included in the Federal Highway Administration’s marketing campaigns for its scenic byway program, the city said.
The city started pursuing the designation in 2000 and the stretch was designated a state scenic byway in 2001. To be considered a National Scenic Byway, a road must be designated a state scenic byway and must have adopted a Corridor Management Plan.
One of the city’s goals under its plan has been to restore and place up to 20 historic neon signs in the median and to protect the existing neon signs.
Recently, signs from the Horseshoe and Silver Slipper casinos and Bow & Arrow motel were installed in the median. The installation of more signs is in the works, the city said.
The city, with help from a $809,000 National Scenic Byway grant, is working with the nonprofit Neon Museum to finish a visitor center at the restored La Concha, 700 Las Vegas Blvd. N.
Congress designates at least $40 million annually for projects on the nation’s scenic byways.
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There's still a LOOOOONG, LOOOOONG way to go.
"Scenic" is in the eye of the be-holder (of the funds).
This is largely due to Oscar giving city money to the strip club "Olympic Garden" for their new sign.
The only things growing at the "garden" is puss, fungus and yeast....
Opps...my bad, city money is YOUR TAX dollars, someone remind Oscar.
Scenic definition from Merriam-Webster:
:of or relating to natural scenery <a scenic view>
Correct me if I'm wrong but there's nothing "natural" on Las Vegas Blvd.
And who in the world thinks putting up 20 neon signs in the middle of the road is going to look good?
Bah... Oh well. If it brings more tourists to visit Las Vegas, and becomes another tourist attraction, then bring it on!! Make it as tacky as you can!
I think that it is going to be a great idea. The only way that the past will be remembered may be with those signs and the memories that they hold . Just please PLEASE maintain them and make them shine ! Doing it is one thing , but doing it right is another..
It is always fun to drive down there and watch the winos puking in the gutter and the whores trying to flag down drivers. Really shows what downtown is all about.
you've GOT to be kidding me.
Sure it's scenic: Just remember to keep your doors locked and windows up and have your cell on phone on speed dial to 911 and your concealed carry handgun clipped on to your belt. PS. JUST THINK IF YOUR LUCKY YOU THE WIFE AND THE KIDS MIGHT EVEN BE TREATED TO A FREE DINNER SHOW / LIKE WATCHING THEM FILM A STREET SHOW TO BE LATER SHOWN ON COPS.