Adds the Seneca Lake scenic byway into the state scenic byways system

Summary of provisions

Adds a new paragraph (j-11) to subdivision 1 of 349-dd of the Highway Law including the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway as a component of the New York State Scenic Byways System.

Existing law

349-dd, subdivision 1 of the Highway Law enumerates the components of the State Scenic Byways System.

Justification

On December 9, 2010, the NYS Scenic Byways Advisory Board, acting upon the nomination of the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway Steering Committee, recommended the designation of the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway as a New York State Scenic Byway. To be formally designated and thus included in the New York State Scenic Byways System, legislation is needed.

The 18-mile corridor follows portions of New York State Route 414, as a New York State Scenic Byway, connecting the Towns of Hector and Lodi in Schuyler and Seneca Counties.

The Legislature established the Scenic Byways Program in the Department of Transportation in 1992 to create a statewide system of scenic byways and to coordinate the activities of state agencies, local governments and not-for-profit organizations into one comprehensive program. The Scenic Byways Advisory Board, responsible for carrying out the intent of the legislation that created the program has adopted rigorous criteria to insure that communities seeking scenic byways designation for a high- way are committed to the scenic, historic, natural, recreational, cultural and archeological resources associated with the proposed byway.

The communities located along the proposed Seneca Lake Scenic Byway have completed all the steps necessary to meet the Board's criteria. This included developing a vision statement and goals, identifying signif- icant features and resources along the corridor, and preparing a compre- hensive Corridor Management Plan. Rich in natural landscape, recreation- al opportunities, and diverse history, the proposed NYS Route 414 Seneca Lake Scenic Byway provides visitors and residents 18 miles of unsur- passed natural beauty. This corridor provides incredible views of roll- ing vineyards, orchards and breath taking vistas of the Hector and Lodi rural community on Seneca Lake, while also highlighting the rich history and traditions predating the arrival of Europeans to the area.

The Seneca Lake Scenic Byway Steering Committee, through a series of public meetings, defined a vision for the scenic byway corridor that provides for the conservation and enhancement of the underlying resources, while fostering the promotion of tourism and economic devel- opment. This will be accomplished by conserving and highlighting the scenic beauty of the region through publicly endorsed and supported action plans: attracting increased economic activity along the Route, supporting tourist activity through byway appropriate enhancements, coordinating interpretation, promotion and signage. To achieve their vision, it is planned to involve public-private partnerships of citi- zens, businesses and public officials.

Many benefits may accrue to communities through which scenic byways pass including: increased economic benefits through promotion of tourism, improved traveler and community services, broadened appreciation of the State's historic and natural resources and support for managing and maintaining these resources, improved management of resources to accom- modate visitors, more careful stewardship of the byway corridor, appro- priate signs, incorporation of design features in keeping with the attributes of a scenic byway and grants to develop the scenic byway. It is desirable to have the byways designation made as soon as possible so that efforts to carry out the objectives of the scenic byways program can get underway within the corridor while the momentum and enthusiasm that resulted in the nomination are still high.

This proposal has no fiscal implications for the State. However, it would allow the municipalities along the designated byway to be eligible for federal funding under the National Scenic Byways Program.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.