JEFFERSON CITY — In response to public opinion, MoDOT has announced it will rewrite the proposed rule change that would have affected signs known as “traffic generators,” which direct motorists to local tourist attractions, such as parks, caves and historical sites.

In a statement last week, Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington, encouraged the public to contact MoDOT and voice their opinion regarding the proposed change.

Currently, there are three categories of traffic generator signs for tourist-oriented signs and one category for college signs. The proposed change would have created just a single category for tourist-oriented signs. In addition, local private attractions would have needed one million visitors per year to qualify for a sign. The move would have eliminated many of the signs found on Missouri highways that point motorists to local landmarks.

“The new eligibility requirement proposed by the rule change set the annual visitor bar too high. Many of our state’s attractions wouldn’t have qualified, which could have negatively impacted the ability of tourist locations to draw in visitors,” said Sen. Romine. “Tourism is a critical part of our state’s economy, especially for rural areas. I am pleased MoDOT has decided to rethink its proposed change, and I want to thank them for listening to all those who voiced their opinions.”

Please visit Sen. Romine’s official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/romine.