AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Some Maine lawmakers want to weaken the state’s 34-year-old ban on roadside billboards.

State Rep. Dennis Keschl of Belgrade says what his proposal is trying to do is make small businesses more accessible to the traveling public. His proposal would allow large signs that would be visible from interstate highways. Billboards would not be allowed off business properties.

Another proposal would allow billboards, with revenue going to the state.

Since 1977, Maine has banned large advertising signs. Vermont, Alaska and Hawaii are the other states with similar bans.

Maine State Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors, who was the state’s transportation commissioner when Maine’s last billboards were taken down, tells the Portland Press Herald the decision to remove billboards was a good one.

___

Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.