A hilltop billboard overlooking the Thruway is coming down after seven years of conflict between local, state and federal officials.
The Albany Times-Union reports that the sign in Montgomery County advertising a Holiday Inn off Exit 28 in Johnstown is scheduled to come down next Monday. It was ruled that it didn't comply with the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
The 100-foot-wide billboard was erected in 1959 and was grandfathered in when the law was passed. But state officials said the sign was no longer in compliance after it was rebuilt in 2006.
Local congressmen and civic leaders argued to keep the billboard because of its economic development benefits. But state transportation officials decided it had to go when the federal Highway Administration threatened to withhold aid.
© 2013 AP
