DEAR SUN SPOTS: You make our days sunnier! Thank you.

Here’s my question: We have driven the turnpike from Gray to Portland and have observed that they are cutting down all the trees along the roadway. It seems eerily coincidental that they are also removing the official signage to attractions along the way.

Is this in preparation for a change in our billboard laws? Let’s hope not. We love our clean, uncluttered state. What can you find out about this? — Lida Iles, Bethel, biles@megalink.net

ANSWER: You do not need to worry about billboards. Signs along the highway are actually coming down to comply with federal regulations and avoid the loss of about $170 million dollars in federal highway funds.

In an April 11 story when the bill was in the Maine House, reporter Scott Thistle wrote:

“The bill, which seeks to align the state with federal law and protect an estimated $170 million in federal highway funds, applies to the Maine Turnpike, Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. It would move or remove about 90 signs altogether, but includes provisions that would allow some entities, including several nonprofit attractions, to replace their signs with so-called ‘logos’ for which they would pay an annual fee.

“Losing their interstate signs completely is a group of private high schools that includes MCI in Pittsfield and Hebron Academy in Hebron.

“A majority of lawmakers beat back two attempts to amend the bill by voting to indefinitely postpone a vote on the amendments before passing the bill.”

Since then, the bill survived other votes in the House and passed in the Senate. It then went to Gov. Paul LePage, who signed the legislation on Wednesday.

Look for Scott’s updated story on the new law in the Friday newspaper.

As for the trees, Sun Spots corresponded with Erin Courtney, spokeswoman for the Maine Turnpike Authority, who thoroughly explained the issue:

“Regarding the tree cutting from Falmouth to Gray, the main goal is to improve highway safety. By removing trees nearest the highway, it helps when vehicles leave the roadway, it aids with snow and ice removal by reducing shading, and increases driver reaction times when wildlife attempts to cross travel lanes.

“The environmental benefits include the use of fewer chemicals to treat the turnpike during winter storms as a result of greater sun exposure. As an added bonus, nearly all of the wood ends up harvested as biomass as a future heating source.

“Crews are paying special attention to nearby streams, wetlands and area homes. Staff has made adjustments to the clearing line where there are neighbors close to the turnpike. A typical clearing limit is 55 feet from edge of pavement. Where there is a neighbor, it has been reduced to 35 feet.

“We are in our third year of clearing approximately 10 miles on each side of the pike. The current project is from Falmouth Exit 53 to Gray Exit 63.

“The current project is being conducted by Drew Corp. from Center Lovell for approximately $260,000 and is scheduled for completion in May 2014.

“If anyone is interested, they can find additional information regarding this project or other turnpike projects on our website: www.maineturnpike.com/project-and-planning/Current-Projects.aspx

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Ramada Inn in Lewiston is giving away the final inventory of 27-inch tube TVs. First come, first served, from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24. Please, no phone calls. — Richard Nelson, budramada@aol.com

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