LAUTENBERG, MENENDEZ ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION TO IMPROVE, PROMOTE NEW JERSEY'S SCENIC ROADSMoney Will Help Draw Tourists, New Spending to StateWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced the Federal Highway Administration awarded more than $1.5 million in federal funds to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to fund the state's Scenic Byways Program.  The money will help improve and promote New Jersey's scenic roads.                "Our state's scenic roads are critical to continue to enhance the visibility of our state's natural treasures.  By improving these roads, we give residents and visitors more opportunity to experience the beauty of our state," Sen. Lautenberg said.  "I will continue to fight for the funding our roads and transportation infrastructure needs."Senator Menendez said: "The natural beauty of The Garden State can be thoroughly enjoyed on our scenic byways, and these funds will help preserve and enhance them,"   said Sen. Menendez.  "This can help our the tourism industry while helping current and future generations of New Jerseyans appreciate and protect the natural treasures our state has to offer."    The NJDOT will receive $1,572,389 for six projects:* $725,200 to develop statewide Interpretive Plans for all existing byways; * $296,039 to update existing and outdated New Jersey byways materials;* $264,000 for a statewide marketing program to promote the new scenic byways to New Jersey visitors; * $176,000 for the Southern Pinelands Natural Heritage Trail, to help educate visitors about the unique features of the Pinelands;* $76,320 for the Millstone Valley Byway, to help preserve the byway and create a guide for tourists; and* $34,830 for the Delaware River Scenic Byway, to help manage and preserve the byway.Over the past two months, Senators Lautenberg and Menendez have announced more than $3 million for New Jersey's roadways.###