CHAPTER 119

S.P. 267 - L.D. 788

An Act To Enhance Vistas

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

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

The department, in consultation with a municipality, may preserve and develop the natural scenic beauty along and adjacent to any state or state aid highway to integrate the public improvement with the aesthetics of the area traversed by the highway and, particularly along those areas of the highway that constitute the entrance to that municipality.__The department shall consult with each municipality traversed by a state or state aid highway on the placement of utility poles and signs within the boundaries of that municipality.__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 interests of the