State legislature passes bill designating Seneca Lake Scenic Byway

The New York Legislature has given final approval to a bill designating the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway between Schuyler and Seneca counties as a New York State Scenic Byway.

The state Senate approved the legislation in late March and the Assembly adopted it Monday, according to a news release issued jointly by legislation sponsors New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and state Senators Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and Mike Nozzolio (R-C, Seneca Falls). The legislation (S.5818/A.8468) must be signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo before becoming law.

The designation, which has been sought by community leaders along the 18-mile corridor that follows portions of State Route 414, will strengthen regional tourism and provide numerous other benefits, they say.

The 18-mile corridor follows portions of New York State Route 414 between the town of Hector in Schuyler County and the Seneca County town of Lodi.

The state Legislature established the Scenic Byways Program nearly two decades ago. It’s aimed at coordinating state and local efforts to enhance a region’s scenic, historical, natural, recreational, cultural, and archeological resources.

Scenic byways elsewhere in the state have brought local communities tourism-related economic growth, improved traveler and community services, a way to promote regional history and civic pride, greater stewardship and management of natural resources, enhanced roadway signage, and access to federal funding, program advocates say.

Contact Carbonaro at mcarbonaro@cnybj.com