§ 136-122. Legislative findings and declaration of policy. - North Carolina Statutes

ARTICLE10.

Preservation, etc., ofScenic Beauty of Areas along Highways.

§ 136‑122.  Legislativefindings and declaration of policy.

The General Assembly findsthat the rapid growth and the spread of urban development along and near theState highways is encroaching upon or eliminating many areas having significantscenic or aesthetic values, which if restored, preserved and enhanced wouldpromote the enjoyment of travel and the protection of the public investment inhighways within the State and would constitute important physical, aesthetic oreconomic assets to the State. It is the intent of the General Assembly inenacting this statute to provide a means whereby the Department ofTransportation may acquire the fee or any lesser interest or right in realproperty in order to restore, preserve and enhance natural or scenic beauty ofareas traversed by the highways of the State highway system.

The General Assembly herebydeclares that it is a public purpose and in the public interest of the peopleof North Carolina, to expend public funds, in connection with the construction,reconstruction or improvement of State highways, for the acquisition of the feeor any lesser interest in real property in the vicinity of public highwaysforming a part of the State highway system, in order to restore, preserve andenhance natural or scenic beauty. The General Assembly hereby finds, determinesand declares that this Article is necessary for the immediate preservation andpromotion of public convenience, safety and welfare. (1967,c. 1247, s. 1; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; 1977, c. 464, s. 7.1.)