§ 349-b. Declaration of policy. The modernization and the construction
of arterial highways which are to pass through cities, will contribute
greatly to post-war reemployment and to the stimulation of industrial
recovery. The resources and the technical skills that are available to
the state for these purposes, should be used for the benefit of the
cities upon the principle that the construction of such arterial
highways is a matter of state concern. However, it is the manifest
intention of the state to recognize and to preserve the powers or rights
heretofore conferred upon or delegated to any city to regulate the
property, affairs or government thereof, in the modernization and the
construction of such arterial highways. The integration of such arterial
highways in the system of state highways throughout the state
contemplates an expenditure of public funds to pay the costs that are
attendant upon the fulfilment of a program of the work of modernization
and construction as herein mentioned, as well as of the maintenance of
such public ways. It is hereby declared to be the purpose of this act to
initiate the procedure that is prerequisite to any project of the
magnitude herein provided, to the end that orderly progress and
equitable distribution of effort and moneys may be observed in the
administration of this article, and, from time to time, when expressly
authorized by the legislature, any section of such arterial highways may
be constituted, constructed, reconstructed, improved and maintained as a
part of the state highway system.