Press Release: New York State, July 30, 1999

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed into law a bill designating Route 90 in the Finger Lakes region as a New York State Scenic Byway.

Route 90 is a 50-mile local road extending from Montezuma to Homer in the Finger Lakes region of central New York State overlooking the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. The majority of the road travels through Cayuga County.

"Designating Route 90 will enhance tourism in the Finger Lakes by highlighting the scenic beauty of the region," Governor Pataki said. "The rolling hills, the beautiful Cayuga Lake, as well as the small towns and rural atmosphere along the route, all contribute to making this designation appropriate."

Recreational opportunities abound along Route 90, including boating and swimming in Cayuga Lake. Sportsmen are able to enjoy hunting and fishing at many locations along the route, while recreationists can pursue golfing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, as well as biking and hiking, particularly around Cayuga Lake.

Bird watchers can take advantage of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, while two state parks, Long Point and Fillmore Glen, offer other attractions and picnicking facilities. Route 90 also boasts many points of cultural and historic interest and local craftspeople and antique shops also attract visitors to the region.

State Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "New York State's Scenic Byways Program is locally-initiated program to enhance tourism through planning and promotion, by recognizing the State's wealth of natural and cultural resources."

The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) authorized funding for a National Scenic Byways Program. A Scenic Byway is defined as a transportation route along with its adjacent area, which is of particular scenic, historic, recreational, cultural or archaeological significance and is managed to protect such characteristics and to encourage economic development through tourism and recreation. New York State currently has 2,000 miles of Scenic Byways located throughout the state.