Kane County adopts updated Zion Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan to pursue national designation

The Kane County Commission voted unanimously Sept. 16 to adopt an updated Zion Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan, a county presentation and consultant said, to align communities along State Route 9 and to pursue national scenic-byway status and federal funding.

Wanda Maloney of Corridor Solutions, the project's consultant, told commissioners the plan documents the corridor's “intrinsic resources,” assesses visitor experience and traffic conditions, and includes an action plan of voluntary strategies for promoting tourism and protecting resources along the route from I-15 to U.S. 89. “I just wanna reinforce again the idea that the plan is non regulatory,” Maloney said.

Commissioners said the national designation could open federal grant opportunities and potentially upgrade the route to All-American Road status, a U.S. Department of Transportation designation Maloney described as the “cream of the crop.” Commissioners noted the designation may broaden visitation, including “pleasure motorists” and motorcycle groups that seek designated scenic roads.

After the presentation, the commission moved to a vote. One commissioner thanked the planning team for work intended to help mitigate congestion and support communities when Zion Tunnel restrictions are in effect. The commission adopted the resolution unanimously.

No changes to land-use regulations were proposed as part of the plan; presenters emphasized implementation would be voluntary and each community along the corridor would decide which action-plan items to pursue.