New York state scenic byways program

§ 349-bb. New York state scenic byways program. 1. The commissioner shall establish within the department a program to be known as the New York state scenic byways program (hereinafter referred to as scenic byways program or program) to encourage and coordinate state actions and the activities of others which relate to the development, protection, promotion and management of scenic byways. For the purposes of this article, a "scenic byway" is a transportation route and adjacent area of particular scenic, historic, recreational, cultural or archeological characteristics which is managed to protect such characteristics and to encourage economic development through tourism and recreation. 2. To carry out the purposes of the scenic byways program, the commissioner is authorized: (a) to plan, design, and develop the New York state scenic byways system; (b) to make safety improvements to a highway designated as a scenic byway under this article to the extent such improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic, and changes in the types of vehicles using the highway due to such designation; (c) to construct along the highway facilities for the use of pedestrians and bicyclists, rest areas, turnouts, highway shoulder improvements, passing lanes, overlooks, and interpretive facilities; (d) to improve the highway to enhance access to an area for the purpose of recreation, including water-related recreation; (e) to protect historical and cultural resources in areas adjacent to the highway; and (f) to develop and provide tourist information to the public, including interpretive information about the scenic byway. 2. The commissioner is hereby authorized to apply for funding from any appropriate sources to further the purposes of the scenic byways program. 3. The commissioner is hereby authorized to enter into contracts with qualified, responsible not-for-profit organizations involved in scenic byways activities for services relating to the development of the New York state scenic byways program or services relating to the operation, development or promotion of a specific scenic byway. 4. The commissioner is authorized to promulgate such regulations as may be necessary or desirable to implement the New York state scenic byways program.