Section 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.