Urges the Department of Transportation to adopt a five-year moratorium on new billboards when addressing proposals for rebuilding Interstate 70 and establishes a House Commission on Interstate 70 Beautification
Impact
The resolution emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to rebuilding Interstate 70, advocating for stakeholder input from various sectors, including tourism, roadside businesses, and cultural preservation entities. A reduction in new billboard installations and upgrades is seen as a strategy to preserve Missouri's natural beauty and improve the visual landscape along this significant transportation route. This move is designed to enhance both safety for motorists by reducing distractions from billboards and to foster a more appealing environment for visitors and residents alike.
Summary
House Resolution 4119 urges the Missouri Department of Transportation to implement a minimum five-year moratorium on new billboards along Interstate 70 while rebuilding efforts are underway. The resolution aims to address concerns regarding the excessive number of billboards on this corridor, which is noted to have 2.5 times more billboards per mile than other states along I-70. This initiative seeks to enhance the safety, aesthetics, and economic potential of the roadway, which is vital for tourism and local commerce in Missouri.
Contention
While the resolution has the support of many legislators who prioritize safety and visual appeal, it may face contention from businesses reliant on billboard advertising. Supporters argue that the current number of billboards detracts from the aesthetic experience for drivers and negatively impacts tourism. Critics, however, may contend that the moratorium could lead to economic drawbacks for those businesses that rely heavily on billboard signage for advertising, creating a potential conflict between public interest in aesthetics and private economic interests.