San Diego supervisors support designating Old Highway 80 historic route

By: North County Times wire services | Wednesday, September 28, 2005 10:12 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is now on record in support of Supervisor Dianne Jacob's proposal to designate Old Highway 80 in the eastern part of the county as a state historic route.

The designation requires the approval of state lawmakers.

Jacob called the roadway "a unique symbol highlighting San Diego's rich history over the past 80 years."

"This designation would also mean benefits for businesses located on or near Old Highway 80, as well as positive effects on tourism surrounding the highway," Jacob said.

The road, which was once called "The Broadway of America," was a true intercontinental highway, running between San Diego and Savannah, Georgia. By 1974, in San Diego and Imperial counties, most of the highway was replaced by Interstate 8.

Old Highway 80 served as an important route for tourism and commerce, including transportation of military supplies in times of war and agricultural products in times of peace, Jacob said.

"I'm hoping with this board's support that (the designation) will become a reality sooner rather than later," she said.

She said the San Diego East Visitors Bureau and many community organizations also support the proposed designation.

The supervisors voted yesterday to have county Chief Administrative Officer Walter Ekard send a letter to local members of the state legislative delegation, the governor's office and the county's representative in Sacramento, urging their support for the idea.

There would be no financial impact on San Diego County's budget if the designation is approved, according to county officials.

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