Relates to the New York state scenic byway system

Summary of provisions

Revises section 342-k of the Highway Law describing the route of the Black River Trail Scenic Byway; a component of the New York State Scenic Byways System. Adds a new component, (j-x) to subdivision 1 of § 349-dd of the Highway Law, including the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway as a component of the New York State Scenic Byways System.

Existing law

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

Justification

On October 17, 2012, the NYS Scenic Byways Advisory Board, acting upon the nominations of the Black River Trail Scenic Byway Steering Committee and the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway Steering Committee, recommended changing the name of a portion of the existing Black River Trail Scenic Byway to a new Maple Traditions Scenic Byway, adding new sections to both the Black River Trail and the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway creating two distinct New York State Scenic Byways. To be formally designated and thus included in the New York State Scenic Byways System, legislation is needed.

The 95-mile corridor of the revised Black River Trail Scenic Byway follows portions of US Route 11, New York State Routes 3, 12, 12D, 12F, 26, 126, 180 and 410; in Oneida, Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

The 71-mile corridor of the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway follows portions of US Route 11, New York State Routes 3, 26, 37, 58, 68, 812, and, St. Lawrence County Route 78, in Lewis and St. Lawrence 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 highway are committed to the scenic, historic, natural, recreational, cultural and archeological resources associated with the proposed byway.

The communities located along the revised route of the Black River Trail Scenic Byway and the proposed Maple Traditions Scenic Byway have completed all the steps necessary to meet the Board's criteria. This included developing a vision statement and goals, identifying significant features and resources along the corridor, and preparing a distinct comprehensive Corridor Management Plan for each scenic byway. Through a series of public meetings, each Byway defined a vision for the scenic byway corridor that would balance the promotion of local interests with the protection of scenic, agricultural, recreational and historic resources. For the Black River Trail this will be accomplished by improving way finding and byway identity through coordinated directional signage; enhancing understanding of byway resources through education and interpretation; enhancing existing and creating additional recreational opportunities; coordinating communities along the byways and linking them to tourism markets; and assisting with business activity to make the byway experience more fulfilling for travelers and economically stimulating for local establishments. To reach these goals there will be an emphasis on public-private partnerships of citizens, businesses, public officials and local support agencies. For the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway this will be accomplished by strengthening and diversifying the agricultural economy and craft products industry along the route; assisting with business activity to make the byway experience more fulfilling for travelers and economically stimulating for local establishments; coordinating communities along the byways and linking them to tourism markets; improving way finding and byway identity through coordinated directional signage; and enhancing understanding of byway resources through education and interpretation. To reach these goals there will be an emphasis on public-private partnerships of citizens, businesses, public officials and local support agencies.

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 accommodate visitors, more careful stewardship of the byway corridor, appropriate 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.

Legislative history

New.

Fiscal implications

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

Effective date

Immediate.