(a) To develop and make recommendations to the commissioner on the organization and operation of a scenic byways program. Such recommendations shall include recommendations on the following:

(i) consideration of the scenic beauty and historic significance of highways proposed for designation as scenic byways and the areas surrounding such highways;

(ii) operation and management standards for highways designated as scenic byways, including strategies for maintaining or improving the qualities for which a highway is designated as a scenic byway, for protecting and enhancing the landscape and view corridors surrounding such a highway, and for minimizing traffic congestion on such a highway;

(iii) standards for scenic byway related signs, including those which identify highways as scenic byways;

(iv) standards for maintaining highway safety on the scenic byway system;

(v) measures to safely accommodate the largest variety of scenic byway users including, but not limited to, persons travelling by automobile, recreation vehicle, motor coach, bicycle, snowmobile, watercraft, horse and by foot;

(vi) design review procedures for location of highway facilities, landscaping, and travellers facilities on the scenic byway system;

(vii) procedures for reviewing and terminating the designation of a highway designated as a scenic byway;

(viii) such other matters as may be necessary or desirable to further the purposes of this program.

(b) To evaluate and recommend to the commissioner and the legislature amendments of the statutes and regulations relevant to the furtherance of a cohesive system of scenic byways. 3. The advisory board shall report to the governor and the legislature within one year of the effective date of this article, and by January first each year thereafter on the implementation of this program. In the first report required by this subdivision, the advisory board shall provide a scenic byways program implementation plan identifying essential components for the New York state scenic byways system, and recommending actions by the legislature that may be necessary to implement a cohesive and coordinated scenic byways program that will serve the goals of preserving and protecting scenic, historic, recreational, cultural and archeological resources, enhancing recreation, economic development through tourism and education in the history and culture of New York state.