The urban and regional areas of the state are rich in cultural and natural resources of statewide significance associated with our growth and attainments over time. These resources offer educational, inspirational and recreational benefits for present and future generations. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to preserve these resources through their identification, interpretation, development and use in a system made up of state designated heritage areas. It is further the policy of the state to improve and coordinate the plans, functions, powers and programs of the state, as they affect its urban and regional cultural and natural resources, in cooperation with the federal government, regions, local governments and other public and private organizations and concerned individuals.
New York Legal Code