(a) To develop and make recommendations to the commissioner on the
organization and operation of a scenic byways program. Such
recommendations shall include recommendations on the following:
(i) consideration of the scenic beauty and historic significance of
highways proposed for designation as scenic byways and the areas
surrounding such highways;
(ii) operation and management standards for highways designated as
scenic byways, including strategies for maintaining or improving the
qualities for which a highway is designated as a scenic byway, for
protecting and enhancing the landscape and view corridors surrounding
such a highway, and for minimizing traffic congestion on such a highway;
(iii) standards for scenic byway related signs, including those which
identify highways as scenic byways;
(iv) standards for maintaining highway safety on the scenic byway
system;
(v) measures to safely accommodate the largest variety of scenic byway
users including, but not limited to, persons travelling by automobile,
recreation vehicle, motor coach, bicycle, snowmobile, watercraft, horse
and by foot;
(vi) design review procedures for location of highway facilities,
landscaping, and travellers facilities on the scenic byway system;
(vii) procedures for reviewing and terminating the designation of a
highway designated as a scenic byway;
(viii) such other matters as may be necessary or desirable to further
the purposes of this program.
(b) To evaluate and recommend to the commissioner and the legislature
amendments of the statutes and regulations relevant to the furtherance
of a cohesive system of scenic byways.
3. The advisory board shall report to the governor and the legislature
within one year of the effective date of this article, and by January
first each year thereafter on the implementation of this program. In the
first report required by this subdivision, the advisory board shall
provide a scenic byways program implementation plan identifying
essential components for the New York state scenic byways system, and
recommending actions by the legislature that may be necessary to
implement a cohesive and coordinated scenic byways program that will
serve the goals of preserving and protecting scenic, historic,
recreational, cultural and archeological resources, enhancing
recreation, economic development through tourism and education in the
history and culture of New York state.