There is a proposal to extend a native stone scenic byway through four counties in this region.

The Secretary for the Native Stone Scenic Byway committee Marcia Ericson, explained an existing byway would be extended through multiple counties. In the Junction City – Manhattan area it would include a westerly route on K-18 Highway through Zeandale, and then south on K-177 Highway to Interstate 70. Approximately one mile of the K-177 stretch would be in Geary County.

The Geary County Commission received an update on the proposal Monday, and the Riley County Commission is scheduled to vote on it next week.

The chair of the Geary County Commission Ben Bennett said he feels the exposure the County would get from it is probably positive. “For the small part of it that is in Geary County because it’s only a mile into Geary County, the way they’ve got it planned for right now.”

But Bennett added according to the presentation that was received Junction City and the local native limestone buildings, plus Fort Riley would be part of the presentation. “Possibly we’ll get some exposure for tourism from that area.”

On the negatives, Bennett noted that the commercial sign people are concerned about how they will be affected. Commercial signs on the route would be grandfathered unless it is destroyed, and then the signs could not be rebuilt.