Kudos from the board and members of Green Living & Energy Education to all of the people who worked together to bring the coveted All-American Road designation through the National Scenic Byways Program to our own U.S.1 -- mile marker 110 to zero and as far as the eye can see on either side. It was a long process that required a 39-page application, more than a year of planning and a lot of background work to make the grade.</p><p>The Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance was responsible for the nomination and diligence needed to apply. For their vision, praise goes to Judy Hull, alliance president; Jane Tallman, former GLEE board member and Monroe County Scenic Highway coordinator; and Cristina Lindley, GLEE member and alliance advisory board member.</p><p>It took the work of many others. The short list includes the Monroe County Planning and Environmental Resources Department; Florida Department of Transportation, in particular Patty Ivey and Craig James, who were supportive every step of the way; and Mike Palozzi of consulting firm PBS&J, who did an excellent job working with Jane Tallman on the application package.</p><p>The Tourist Development Council and Andy Newman were incredibly helpful with promotion. Jackie Harder, alliance board member, was invaluable with her sage advice and support. Carol Miller, alliance treasurer, put her heart and soul into the vision and even went to Washington, D.C., with Judy Hull to get the award.</p><p>Our highway corridor offers such beautiful vistas and unique history, with the potential for recreation at nearly every turn -- photography, bicycling, hiking and low-impact exploration of nearby waterways, to name a few.</p><p>We look forward to visitors coming to the Keys knowing they are seeing something very special, something to be preserved, just driving down the highway. We look forward to the opportunities for funding for more wonderful trails, historic education, bike paths and beautification projects.</p><p>This designation puts U.S. 1 at the top of the list for extensive funding from many sources. Our only limitation, within the grant descriptions, will be our own imagination.</p><p>GLEE applauds this accomplishment and looks forward to seeing its impact on ecotourism and the local economy, our Keys community identity and our county/city policy, awareness and support. Congratulations to all.</p><p>Karen Beal</p><p>Key Largo