a. Certain portions of the State highway system are notable for their scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, and archaeological value and are worthy of official designation as scenic and historic highways to provide special consideration of their unique features and special role in the highway system;

b. The public interest would be served by the creation of a coordinated scenic and historic highways program to enhance recreation, preserve and protect scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, and archaeological resources, encourage economic development through tourism, and educate the public about the history and culture of this State;

c. New Jersey lags behind other states around the country in terms of preserving roadways which have scenic, historic, and other intrinsic qualities; and

d. It is altogether fitting and proper for the Legislature to establish a “New Jersey Scenic and Historic Highways Program” in the Department of Transportation which will encourage the promotion and preservation of the scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, and archaeological qualities of certain roadways, and areas surrounding such roadways, throughout the State.

L.2009, c.245, s.1.