Under threat of a $14million federal fine, New York Governor Cuomo yielded to pressure and stated he would be replacing the controversial ‘I love NY’ road signs which many had commented about.
Clearly in cooperation with their marketing department to find a valid excuse, the administrations officials claimed the signs had run “its useful course.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Despite being warned the I Love NY signs were illegal, the governor pushed forward & wasted millions of taxpayer dollars & putting federal funding at risk. Now it’s going to cost us another $14 million. <a href="https://t.co/0AMIOPRGpq">https://t.co/0AMIOPRGpq</a></p>— Brian Kolb (@GOPLdrBrianKolb) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPLdrBrianKolb/status/959168261224042497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The acting Transportation Commissioner Mr Paul Karas and the Thruway Authority Director Mr atthew Driscoll joined together for a statement: “Existing materials will be reused but, as the signs will be redesigned for the new campaign, we will consult with (federal highway officials) during this process.”
“Since the Governor initiated this branding effort, the number of tourists to New York State has increased by 18 percent and the direct economic impact of tourism on the State has skyrocketed by more than 20%.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEWS: The feds have docked New York $14 million for installing the I Love NY highway signs. <a href="https://t.co/GFiHsKqE0h">https://t.co/GFiHsKqE0h</a></p>— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellGAN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonCampbellGAN/status/959128331072557061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The governor’s office statement came exactly 24 hours after the Federal Highway Administration had informed them it would be withholding $14 million in funding due to the 500 signs which have been placed near highways all across New York State, as federal officials claimed these were ‘an unnecessary distraction to drivers and created safety hazards’.
The decision ends a yearlong bitter dispute between the two departments.
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