Sec. 1. 23 MRSA §651, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 1971, c. 593, §22, is further amended to read:

The department may shall consult with each municipality traversed by a state or state aid highway in order to preserve and develop the natural scenic beauty along and adjacent to any state or state aid highway within the boundaries of that municipality, including consultation on the placement of utility poles and signage, and to integrate the public improvement with the aesthetics of the area traversed by the highway and.__The department may establish and maintain rest areas, turn-outs and parking strips for the suitable accommodation of the public whenever in its judgment the public exigency may require.

Sec. 2. 23 MRSA §651, 5th ¶, as amended by PL 1971, c. 593, §22, is further amended to read:

Whenever a municipality directly contributes to the construction or alteration of any highway, the The department shall take into consideration the views of the municipal officers as to the location of such any state or state aid highway construction or alteration and the interests of the municipal officers with respect to the natural scenic beauty along and adjacent to any state or state aid highway, particularly along those areas of the highway that constitute the entrance to that municipality.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Transportation to consult with each municipality traversed by a state or state aid highway to preserve and develop the natural scenic beauty along and adjacent to any state or state aid highway within the boundaries of that municipality, including consultation on the placement of utility poles and signage, and to integrate the public improvement with the aesthetics of the area traversed by the highway.

The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to take into consideration the views of the municipal officers as to the location of state and state aid highway construction or alteration and the interests of the municipal officers with respect to the natural scenic beauty along and adjacent to any state or state aid highway, particularly along those areas of the highway that constitute the entrance to that municipality.