Signs help economy, foster job growth

For years, Georgia had a nonsensical policy regarding roadside vegetation. Some trees could be removed, while others couldn’t. Anti-billboard activists fought hard to keep this policy in place knowing the trees would keep growing, further obstructing billboards, with the intention of crippling the industry. As a result, thousands of signs became fully obstructed or difficult to see. Sign owners had to make a decision to either erect signs above the trees or have a stranded investment.

Ironically, the activists’ fight to overgrow the signs made roadways less scenic and hurt those promoting local businesses.

After more than 30 years of struggling to create a viable alternative to the flawed policy, industry leaders worked with stakeholders to pass a common-sense measure in 2011 that was respectful to environmental concerns and to those looking to advertise community attractions to travelers.

Under the new law, provisions have been adopted to lower skyscraper billboards and strengthen obscenity standards. Old signs can now be removed by the industry through an exchange program, saving the state and taxpayers the costs of removal.

Most important, the 2011 law will produce millions of dollars for beautification projects funded by the industry. Essentially, outdoor advertisers will fund the planting of new trees for the right to remove obstructing vegetation. We fully expect more trees will be planted through the use of beautification grants than removed through vegetation management permits.

Contrary to what anti-billboard activists claim, permitted community plantings are protected by this law. The law is clear in that all existing permitted community plantings cannot be touched. New plantings are allowed and encouraged, provided they’re not designed to obstruct billboards.

A wide variety of decorative trees and other vegetation used in beautification projects do not grow to a height that would obstruct billboards, so this is a non-issue. The billboard industry looks forward to working with local groups to ensure that existing and new state-permitted plantings are protected.

Let’s not forget these signs stimulate economic activity by promoting business, destinations and attractions — which mean jobs for Georgians. Businesses advertise on billboards because they drive consumers to their stores. Obstructed signs are ineffective in serving their purpose.

Anti-billboard activists complain this industry is unsightly; this law improves roadside aesthetics.

Activists claim they are fighting for trees; this law protects permitted plantings and should result in more trees planted than removed.

Anti-billboard activists claim billboards make travelers eager to leave the state. Our advertisers will tell them billboards result in travelers staying longer and investing in local economies.

This law addresses all legitimate issues raised by stakeholders — including environmentalists, private landowners, community leaders and advertisers — while placing rhetoric in the rearview mirror.