07
SB282/AP
Senate
Bill 282
By:
Senators Mullis of the 53rd, Smith of the 52nd, Schaefer of the 50th, Thomas of
the 54th, Hamrick of the 30th and others
AS
PASSED
AN
ACT
To
amend Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to the state highway system, so as to provide for the
creation of alternative tourism routes; to provide for the designation of such
routes; to provide for the construction and maintenance of welcome centers on
such routes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for
other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Article
2 of Chapter 4 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to the state highway system, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as
follows:
"32-4-24.
(a)
The board shall designate as alternative tourism routes roads that are a part of
the state highway system that traverse the state and pass through or in close
proximity to historic sites or tourist attractions in the state. Interstate
highways that traverse the state shall not be eligible for designation as an
alternative tourism route. The initial alternative tourism routes shall be
U. S. Highway 27 and U. S. Highway 441.
(b)
The board shall consult with the Department of Economic Development, county
governing authorities, and historical sites and tourist attractions located in
this state in the selection of additional alternative tourism routes. The
Department of Economic Development shall promote such routes and sites and
attractions along such routes to the motoring public.
(c)
Subject to the appropriation process, the department may within five years of
the designation of an alternative tourism route construct within 20 miles of the
state line on each end of such route a welcome center. Subject to the
appropriation process, if the department decides to construct such a center, it
shall negotiate and contract with the local governing authorities where the
welcome center is located for the maintenance and operation of such
center."
SECTION
2.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.