Essex Heritage receives $275,000 Grant for Essex Coastal Scenic Byway Signage

Press Release

Congressman John F. Tierney and Senator Bruce Tarr announce that the Essex National Heritage Commission has received a $220,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration and $55,000 in matching funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the installation of directional signs along the 85-mile Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. The comprehensive signage system will direct travelers to the byway from the region's three principal arterial highways, and help guide visitors along the entire route.

The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is a state-designated byway that traverses 13 communities on Boston's North Shore from Lynn to Newburyport, including Lynn, Swampscott, Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, and Newburyport. The byway highlights the best of coastal New England -- historic seaports, colonial era farms, the rocky shoreline, the Great Marsh and a wealth of significant architecture. In its leadership role as byway coordinator, Essex Heritage is working with community officials, business owners, and heritage site stewards to leverage the byway's nationally significant heritage resources to generate economic and quality of life benefits for the entire region.

"The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway connects neighboring coastal communities from Lynn to Newburyport, highlighting significant historical and cultural contributions and scenic beauty across the North Shore region. I am pleased that the Essex National Heritage Commission has been able to leverage state and federal funds to help improve the Byway. This will help further the byway's ultimate goal of expanding the shared income opportunities of our region's small businesses and local tourism industry," said Congressman John Tierney.

"The communities located along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway are rich in history and culture, and the signage funded through this grant will help to promote the many hidden jewels and precious natural resources to be found along this 85-mile stretch to tourists and residents alike," said Senator Bruce Tarr, who has supported the byway initiative since its inception. "The 13 cities and towns that comprise this byway have been working collectively to make this project a reality, and this same spirit of cooperation has extended to our state and federal governments, which are partnering in the funding of this exciting initiative."

"We are thrilled with the support from Congressman Tierney and Senator Tarr, and the rest of our delegation, in our efforts to promote the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway," said Annie C. Harris, Executive Director of the Essex National Heritage Commission. "The overall goal of the byway is to improve the region's economy through coordinated marketing, heritage resources preservation, and infrastructure enhancements. With the ongoing support of our delegation, our sites, our Chambers of Commerce and local businesses the byway will continue to grow as a heritage resource with significant regional impact."

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