§ 23-1-291 — Legislative Findings

The Legislature finds that certain portions of the state highway system provide access to state locales that are notable for their scenic, natural, historic, recreational, cultural, and archaeological value and are therefore worthy of designations as scenic byways in order 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 recreational, cultural, and archaeological resources, encourage economic development through tourism, improve the transportation system, and educate residents and visitors on the history, culture, and natural beauty of this state. In order to implement this program, the Legislature has determined that a two-tiered structure would best serve the governance of the Alabama Scenic Byways program. The Legislature recognizes that the application of this article is meant to add value to the community, and that public involvement, specifically the rights and interests of private property owners, must be considered in implementing provisions of this article and in the designation of byways. Specifically, any such actions taken which affect private property are subject to statutes and regulations otherwise established in accordance with the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Alabama of 1901.

Legislative History

(Act 2000-589, p. 1076, §2.)