Growers in some locations have run into issues with the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) over the placement of signs for roadside markets along highways. While signs on the premise of the market are usually permitted, signs placed along the road on others property in advance of the market property are often not allowed.
While PennDOT is the agency enforcing the rules, the real issue is Federal Highway Administration regulations that require states to control outdoor advertising signs on federally funded highways or risk losing federal highway dollars. State representative Pam Snyder from southwestern Pennsylvania is asking growers to send the following letter to Congressman Bill Shuster to request a federal exemption for farm signs along highways. Growers can copy the following suggested letter from Rep. Snyder’s office while adding any personal issues you have had with roadside signs to the letter to personalize it. Rep. Shuster is chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that has jurisdiction over federal highway funding and regulations but would also be helpful to copy your own congressman as well if you do not live in Rep. Shuster’s district.
Date _________________
The Honorable Bill Shuster
2079 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515
Re: Farm Signs
Dear Congressman Shuster:
Agriculture is the largest industry in Pennsylvania, contributing more than $67 billion annually in the economic output across more that 7.75 million acres of agricultural land. As a farm owner that contributes to our local economy, I’m asking for your prompt assistance.
PennDOT is required by the Federal Highway Administration to control outdoor advertising signs adjacent to interstate and federal-aid primary highways in order to receive its full share of federal highway funds, which are necessary to build and maintain Pennsylvania’s roadways. PennDOT continues to remove outdoor signage placed along roadways advertising small farmer’s markets and farm stands. PennDOT maintains it is ensuring the orderly and effective display of outdoor advertising and is consistent with national policy to protect the public’s investment in our highways and Pennsylvania’s natural beauty.
In 2015, the U. S. House passed a six-year, $325 billion federal highway funding bill that includes an obscure amendment that would exempt most church signs that were under scrutiny by states for violations of the Highway Beautification Act. The targeted signs violated a federal requirement that limits the signs on federally funded roadways. Much like Pennsylvania, states were reluctantly enforcing the sign law under the threat of possibly losing federal highway dollars. As a farmer that depends on small signs, I am asking for a federal exemption for farmer’s market signs as well.
The removal of farmer’s advertising signs by PennDOT at farm stands along the roads in and around your district have been detrimental to local businesses. As farmers are struggling to survive across the state, this exemption would allow us to advertise appropriately and effectively without government overregulation.
Thank you for your consideration,
Name: ____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
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