Sen. Troy Jackson: St. John Valley Cultural Byway

By Troy Jackson

For those of us who are fortunate enough to live in the St. John Valley we know how blessed we are with abundant natural beauty.  I have often heard comments from first-time visitors that they didn't realize how special this part of the state was until they finally had a chance to visit for themselves.

With the recent news that the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) will dedicate Maine's newest scenic byway, the Saint John Valley Cultural Byway, maybe more people will see for themselves how lucky we are!

On Thursday September 9 at 2 p.m., at the Acadian Village on Route 1 in Van Buren, Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Cole along with elected officials from the St. John Valley will formally dedicate Maine's newest Scenic Byway, the St. John Valley Cultural Byway.  Members of the public are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

The St. John Valley Cultural Byway, also know as the La Route Culturelle de la Vallee St-Jean will be Maine's thirteenth Scenic Byway.  This Scenic Byway travels a total of 92 miles along the northern border of Maine and through the St. John Valley.  I am very proud of Maine's Acadian culture and this Scenic Byway will help us share the Acadian beliefs and experiences that have shaped the Valley.  This will be a great way to recognize the early settlers to the Valley and highlight their contributions to Maine history.

The western terminus of the St. John Valley Cultural Byway begins in Dickey on Route 161, adjacent to the Allagash Historical Society Museum and continues eastward until it joins US Route 1 in Fort Kent. From Fort Kent, the byway follows Route 1 to the intersection of US Route 1 and US Route 1A in Van Buren. It then follows Route 1A to the Hamlin/Caswell town line. The byway also includes a section of Route 162 from the intersection of US Route 1 and Route 162 in Frenchville to the St. Agatha Boat Launch.

Maine's newest Scenic Byway was based upon on application submitted by Northern Maine Development Commission.   Over the next two years, a corridor management plan will be developed that features the historical and cultural contribution of the Maine Acadian settlers to the valley.   The corridor management plan will also focus on other contributors, such as the Québécois, Scotch and Irish, and the Wesget Sipu, who were shaped in part by the Valley and who in turn contributed to the heritage of the valley.

Following completion of the corridor management plan, the Scenic Byway may apply for recognition as a National Byway.   Such recognition has been bestowed on fewer than 200 such places in the United States.   As a tourist attraction, National Byways rank very high in desired destinations for national and international travelers.

So join the crowd on Thursday September 9 as we formally dedicate this Byway.  Share in a little history in the making and celebrate those who have travelled our roads before us-and have left us with so much.

Sincerely,
Troy Jackson
Senator, District 35