Feds Show No Love For Road Signs With New York Tourism Slogan

The Federal Highway Administration isn't showing any "Love" for some tourism signs along New York highways.

Officials with the FHA and the New York state Department of Transportation will meet next month to discuss the removal of more than 500 "I Love NY" signs from state roadways.

Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau will meet with DOT Commissioner Matt Driscoll at the FHA's Washington office sometime in December to formulate a plan for taking down the signs.

The FHA has threatened to cut nearly $1 billion in federal funding to the state if the signs aren't removed.

State officials have long contended that the signs help promote tourism and provide valuable information about New York's attractions.

"These signs are critical element in the strategic promotion of the state's multi-billion dollar tourism industry, and as we have said repeatedly, we believe them to be in full compliance with federal law," the state Department of Transportation said in a statement. 

FHA officials say the signs don't conform to federal standards and are dangerous because they contain so much information that drivers can become distracted.

FHA officials say they first voiced concerns about the signs back in 2011, and told the state it wasn't in compliance. But the state went ahead with the $1.5 million project and put up more than 500 of them in the state. 

West Harrison resident Richard Black shrugged off FHA's concerns. 

"If they can actually demonstrate that it was having an impact, I'd listen to that," he said. "But short of an increase in accidents around these signs, why are they worrying about it?" 

"I didn't notice them but I think it's great," said Barry Akrongold of the Upper East Side. "I love New York, too. Keep the signs." 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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