Politics
Billboard tree-cutting proposal returns to House
By April Hunt
Feb 4, 2011A proposal that would allow public rights of way to be clear-cut for new billboards has returned to the Legislature.
House Bill 179 would allow sign owners to remove 250 feet of trees along the public right of way and 350 feet of trees along the pavement edge in front of double-sided signs. It also would prohibit state beautification projects that plant trees that might obscure signs.
The House shot down a similar bill in 2009 after gardening clubs throughout the state voiced their opposition.
The bill is scheduled to be reviewed by the Interstate Highway and Beautification Subcommittee at 3 p.m. Monday at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building.
