N.Y. Highway Law § 349-aa: Statement of intent

§ 349-aa. Statement of intent. The legislature hereby finds that

certain portions of the state highway system are notable for their

scenic, historic, recreational, cultural and archeological value and

worthy of designation as scenic byways to provide special consideration

of their unique features and special role in the highway system.

The legislature further finds that the public interest would be served

by the formation of a coordinated scenic byways program to enhance

recreation, preserve and protect scenic, historic, recreational,

cultural and archeological resources, encourage economic development

through tourism, improve the transportation system, and educate

residents and visitors of the history and culture of this state.

The legislature further finds that several programs administered by

various agencies of state government exist to assess scenic quality of

highway corridors, to maintain state highways and rights-of-way, and to

plan for recreation to promote economic development through tourism.

The legislature further finds that several not-for-profit

organizations exist to encourage public participation in the enhancement

of designated highway routes, and to coordinate and promote tourism

along such designated highway routes.

It is therefore the intent of the legislature to establish a scenic

byways program in the department of transportation to guide and

coordinate the activities of state agencies, local governments and

not-for-profit organizations in order to create a comprehensive program

that will better serve the public interest.