§ 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.