The KUSP Land Use Report #29: An All American Road

"Listen Live"

Gary Patton, Executive Director of LandWatch Monterey County, presents the following Land Use Report. The opinions expressed by Mr. Patton are not necessarily those of KUSP Radio, nor of any of our sponsors.

Local governments in San Luis Obispo County are seeking federal recognition for Highway One, from the City of San Luis Obispo to the Monterey County line. They want that portion of Highway One to be named an "All American Road." This designation is given to highways that are "destinations unto themselves," and that are unparalleled in the country.

Highway One in San Luis Obispo County certainly contains some spectacular views. You can’t see scenery like that in Kansas, or probably anywhere else! But why doesn’t Monterey County join the effort? Their portion of Highway One is also spectacular. Who could deny that the Big Sur Coast is a "destination unto itself?" It’s unparalleled in the country, no doubt about it.

If SLOCOG is successful (that’s the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments), then the designation of Highway One as an "All American Road" will provide capital funding for highway beautification. Local governments will have to make sure that Highway improvements are specially designed with beauty in mind. That’s not such a bad requirement. In fact, the effort to achieve an "All American Road" designation for Highway One represents a land use program, based on federal requirements, implemented at the local level, that promises not only to protect the quality of our environment, but actually to enhance it. There’s a piece of good news to start your day.

For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.

[Back to KUSP News Index]