Counties and cities are opting out of the Ozark Run Scenic Byway, a 375-mile route from St. Louis to Branson, that was proposed in 2021.
According to the Ozark County Times, the opt out stems from public feedback from residents who fear government overreach. Officials in Taney, Shannon, and Oregon counties have already opted out from the proposed byway, and commissioners from both Ozark and Howell counties say they will probably opt out as well, leaving the entire stretch of Highway 160 out of the byway plan.
Commissioners in Ozark and Howell counties have not officially voted on the issue and are currently giving a 45-60 day period for public comment.
Residents who do not oppose the byway say they see the potential revenue increase for the area and local small businesses, those who oppose feel it may infringe on property rights.
Local approval is required for the scenic byway to come through a county or municipality. For Ozark County commissioners, it means they have to agree to the proposal, and a statement of written support must be given to the Scenic Missouri group within 90 days of the public hearing.
The Ozark Run Scenic Byway proposal was started by a St. Louis computer software developer, Eric Hermanson and serves as a board member for the non-profit group Scenic Missouri, which falls under the umbrella of Scenic America, a national organization.
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