During Lyndon Johnson’s presidency a federal law was passed to prevent private landowners from getting paid money to put up
billboards on their property. The goal sounded worthwhile to keep our highways beautiful – not cluttered with billboards.
Fast forward to 2025-2026 – and efforts to improved communication in our rural community. The combined Veteran groups purchased an electronic sign with a reader board to promote timely communication with the many veterans in our county.
A permit was paid for and obtained, the site inspected by the state and the sign installed by veterans. Now the Idaho Transportation Department is demanding the sign be moved (or removed) to obtain the permit they are requiring.
The sign has been removed to protect it while the challenge is being answered. While investigating our options, it came to my attention that our local hospital is also having issues with the state over a sign they want to install.
I’m told they actually bought the piece of land where they wanted the sign to later find out they could not have it there because “you can’t see the business from the sign.” Really? I have counted at least six signs that the business cannot be seen from the sign location – Super One, EL Internet, Ibex and storage units along Highway 2 just to name a few.
The state says only the Governor can give waivers for the two signs. Please write, e-mail the governor and request he issues waivers for their signs.
Governor Little State Capital
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720
Phone: (208) 334-2100; Fax: (208) 854-3306
Joanne Danner
Bonners Ferry