Whitefish opposes proposed billboard changes

The Whitefish City Council has taken a stand against proposed state rule changes that would legalize electronic billboards.

Before the March 17 deadline for public comment on outdoor advertising rule changes, the council passed a resolution outlining its position. City Attorney John Phelps filed the resolution with the state Department of Transportation.

The state has recommended the changes so that Montana can join other states in using the technology as an economic-development tool, according to state outdoor advertising coordinator Pat Hurley.

Whitefish opposed the electronic billboards, saying such signs would detract from Montana's scenic beauty and distract drivers.

"Tourism is Montana's No. 1 industry, with visitors traveling to Montana to get away from the commercialization that they have at home," the Whitefish resolution stated. "Adding brighter and more-obtrusive signs to the state's countryside and communities is not in the interest of Montana or its tourism industry."

The Whitefish council also opposed a rule change that would allow on-premise sign owners to list sponsors, benefactors and support groups for "thank you" recognition.

The council supported a rule change to allow local governments to erect welcome signs, but only if the sizes of the signs are restricted to 150 square feet.

Although the comment deadline officially has passed, Transportation staff attorney Nick Rotering said any lingering correspondence won't be ignored.

The Transportation Commission didn't officially extend the comment period, however.

The next step is for Jim Schier, assistant attorney general, to review the testimony and write a summary.

"He may point out any problem areas. Then it goes back to the Department of Transportation for review," Rotering said.

The state Transportation Commission will make the final decision on the proposed changes.

A public hearing in Helena on Friday drew several critics who maintained the signs would be unattractive intrusions into Montana's scenic landscapes and would contribute to light pollution at night.