The grants were announced by Rep. Jim Oberstar, District 8 Congressman.

Oberstar said the national byway program represents a combined effort among conservation, recreation, transportation and tourism interests to work as partners in protecting beauty along America's roads and highways. He said the program was created through the hard work, cooperation and support of local communities, states and the federal government, as well as conservation, recreation, transportation and tourism interests.

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway was awarded $20,158 to produce and distribute a byway tour brochure that will identify sites and facilities along the route. The brochure will enhance the traveler's experience and understanding of the byway's qualities and resources, and it will include a guide to the byway routes. This byway includes part or all of Crow Wing County State Aid Highways, 1, 3, 11, 15, 16 and 66 and Cass County State Aid Highway 1.

The Paul Bunyan Byway was also awarded $40,560 to implement a recommendation from the byway's interpretive plan. The project introduces an actual history character, the mailboat driver on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, as the storyteller for the byway. The mailboat driver traveled along the Whitefish Chain delivering the U.S. mail and passing along news, events and even groceries to area residents.

The Great River Road project will receive $80,000 to develop and install interpretive information at a new safety rest area and welcome center located on Highway 371 north of Brainerd. This project will benefit byway travelers by interpreting and describing the natural, cultural and historical features of this popular recreational region. The proposed interpretive features include interactive display areas, static display panels, native vegetation display gardens, and stained glass panels.

The Great River Road Byway was awarded $25,000 to continue the implementation of the Great River Road Development Study. This project involves the entire byway running from Lake Itasca to the Iowa border. The funding will benefit the byway traveler's experience by addressing local hospitality training, byway enhancement funding, history preservation, and consumer communications.

Other grants were awarded to: