March 17, 1997

Letter to the Editor
Alaska Journal of Commerce

Dear Editors:

Senate Bill 56, the Tourist Oriented Directional Signage (TODS) bill has certainly had more than its share of news coverage. I feel it is necessary to correct editorial references in some newspapers to "billboards". This legislation would simply provide for standardized 18 inch by 90 inch blue and white directional signs for Alaskan attractions and businesses - the same type of sign currently in use in certain locations around the state.

These road signs are less than half the size of the "billboard" campaign signs used by many people who openly oppose this legislation.

Since 1988, the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) has been running an experimental program modeled after the Federal Highway Administration guidelines. The small blue directional signs you now see on our main thoroughfares have been placed without statutory authority by DOT and without public input on the regulations being used. With legislation, DOT will ask for public comment to assist in developing regulations for the most appropriate process for TODS.

My legislation, Senate Bill 56, would simply give DOT statutory authority to implement a uniform, controlled program to assist businesses make their presence known. Rumors about spoiled scenic views and sign proliferation are greatly exaggerated. According to specific language passed by the Legislature, the DOT will:

"...retain control over the location of directional signs.

In scenic areas, the department shall control the

location of directional signs in a manner that maintains

the quality of scenic areas."

So if there is a problem it will be because DOT allows a problem to develop.

Amazingly, we have heard that DOT will not be able to review applications for TODS and that their failure to enforce the law might result in forfeiting $22 million in federal funds. It seems just a little ridiculous that DOT would choose not to enforce the program and jeopardize losing $22 million in federal funds.

Finally, we have heard the argument that a misdemeanor is an appropriate penalty for placing a sign illegally. What? Prison or jail time for an illegal sign -- court time, judge, lawyers. I don't think so. As I proposed and the legislature approved, the bill provides a violation of $50 to $1,000 per incident plus loss of a sign worth $1,200 or more, and that is certainly an appropriate deterrent.

This legislation passed overwhelmingly last session, but was vetoed by the Governor who vowed in his veto message last year that there would be no compromise on this bill. Very well, but the Legislature has a role to play in setting policy. We endorsed the TODS bill this year by 16-3 in the Senate and 28-11 in the House. Now it is up to the Governor; he has the opportunity to compromise and sign this bill or let it become law without his signature. That is certainly the path we wish he would choose.

Sincerely,

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Senator Lyda Green