To ensure adequate time has been allowed for the public to provide comments on the concept of a Pilot Project on Interstate 75 between the Georgia State Line and the beginning of the Turnpike at Wildwood, the Department of Transportation announces an extension of the comment period to Friday, October 30, 2009. The pilot project is intended to result in a general reduction in the number of non-conforming outdoor advertising billboards in the sensitive scenic areas on the corridor. The pilot will also test a potential change in Federal regulations which currently prohibit modifications to a non-conforming sign. Under the pilot the Department will allow one-time modifications to non-conforming signs in lesser impacted areas when signs are removed from the more sensitive areas. It is anticipated that this pilot will result in a corridor with a much improved visual character, making it more attractive to motorists.

A copy of the draft pilot project document may be obtained from the Department’s web site at http://www.dot.state.fl.us/ rightofway/documents/I75PILOTPROJECT10052009.pdf by writing: Ms. Juanice Hagan, Florida Department of Transportation, Office of Right of Way, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station #22, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450, or by e-mail: Juanice.Hagan@dot.state.fl.us.