The National Scenic Byways Program, established by Congress in 1991, recognizes historic, scenic, and culturally important roads, all of which promote economic development and tourism in communities around the U.S. There are more than 1,200 byways in all 50 states. Idaho started a state scenic byway program over a decade earlier, in 1977. The Idaho Transportation Department is the main administrator for the program, but it is also guided by the Idaho Byways Advisory Committee, which includes state and national agency representatives, local business leaders, and community members. Byway designations must be initiated and supported by local communities.
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (HCSB) Committee is currently working on securing funding through the Idaho Department of Transportation to replace the HCSB signage on the Hells Canyon Dam Road that runs from Oxbow to Hells Canyon Dam, Idaho side of the Snake River. The committee is requesting new signs be purchased and installed on Highway 71. Once HCSB signage is in place the next step will be to add a minimum of 3 historical boards on Highway 71.