It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state to provide leadership in preserving, restoring and maintaining the historic, architectural, archeological and cultural environment of this state and that therefore it is the purpose of this article to provide that the instrumentalities of the state administer the historic and cultural properties under their control in a spirit of stewardship and trusteeship for the future generations and conduct their activities, plans and programs in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of historic and cultural properties.
New York Legal Code