23 USC § 131 - Control of outdoor advertising

(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices in areas adjacent to the Interstate System and the primary system should be controlled in order to protect the public investment in such highways, to promote the safety and recreational value of public travel, and to preserve natural beauty.

(b) Federal-aid highway funds apportioned on or after January 1, 1968, to any State which the Secretary determines has not made provision for effective control of the erection and maintenance along the Interstate System and the primary system of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices which are within six hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of the system, and Federal-aid highway funds apportioned on or after January 1, 1975, or after the expiration of the next regular session of the State legislature, whichever is later, to any State which the Secretary determines has not made provision for effective control of the erection and maintenance along the Interstate System and the primary system of those additional outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices which are more than six hundred and sixty feet off the nearest edge of the right-of-way, located outside of urban areas, visible from the main traveled way of the system, and erected with the purpose of their message being read from such main traveled way, shall be reduced by amounts equal to 10 per centum of the amounts which would otherwise be apportioned to such State under section 104 of this title, until such time as such State shall provide for such effective control. Any amount which is withheld from apportionment to any State hereunder shall be reapportioned to the other States. Whenever he determines it to be in the public interest, the Secretary may suspend, for such periods as he deems necessary, the application of this subsection to a State.

(c) Effective control means that such signs, displays, or devices after January 1, 1968, if located within six hundred and sixty feet of the right-of-way and, on or after July 1, 1975, or after the expiration of the next regular session of the State legislature, whichever is later, if located beyond six hundred and sixty feet of the right-of-way located outside of urban areas, visible from the main traveled way of the system, and erected with the purpose of their message being read from such main traveled way, shall, pursuant to this section, be limited to

(1) directional and official signs and notices, which signs and notices shall include, but not be limited to, signs and notices pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historical attractions, which are required or authorized by law, which shall conform to national standards hereby authorized to be promulgated by the Secretary hereunder, which standards shall contain provisions concerning lighting, size, number, and spacing of signs, and such other requirements as may be appropriate to implement this section,

(2) signs, displays, and devices advertising the sale or lease of property upon which they are located,

(3) signs, displays, and devices, including those which may be changed at reasonable intervals by electronic process or by remote control, advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located,

(4) signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, determined by the State, subject to the approval of the Secretary, to be landmark signs, including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces, or historic or artistic significance the preservation of which would be consistent with the purposes of this section, and

(5) signs, displays, and devices advertising the distribution by nonprofit organizations of free coffee to individuals traveling on the Interstate System or the primary system. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “free coffee” shall include coffee for which a donation may be made, but is not required.

(d) In order to promote the reasonable, orderly and effective display of outdoor advertising while remaining consistent with the purposes of this section, signs, displays, and devices whose size, lighting and spacing, consistent with customary use is to be determined by agreement between the several States and the Secretary, may be erected and maintained within six hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way within areas adjacent to the Interstate and primary systems which are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of State law, or in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as may be determined by agreement between the several States and the Secretary. The States shall have full authority under their own zoning laws to zone areas for commercial or industrial purposes, and the actions of the States in this regard will be accepted for the purposes of this Act. Whenever a bona fide State, county, or local zoning authority has made a determination of customary use, such determination will be accepted in lieu of controls by agreement in the zoned commercial and industrial areas within the geographical jurisdiction of such authority. Nothing in this subsection shall apply to signs, displays, and devices referred to in clauses (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of this section.

(e) Any sign, display, or device lawfully in existence along the Interstate System or the Federal-aid primary system on September 1, 1965, which does not conform to this section shall not be required to be removed until July 1, 1970. Any other sign, display, or device lawfully erected which does not conform to this section shall not be required to be removed until the end of the fifth year after it becomes nonconforming.

(f) The Secretary shall, in consultation with the States, provide within the rights-of-way for areas at appropriate distances from interchanges on the Interstate System, on which signs, displays, and devices giving specific information in the interest of the traveling public may be erected and maintained. The Secretary may also, in consultation with the States, provide within the rights-of-way of the primary system for areas in which signs, displays, and devices giving specific information in the interest of the traveling public may be erected and maintained. Such signs shall conform to national standards to be promulgated by the Secretary.

(g) Just compensation shall be paid upon the removal of any outdoor advertising sign, display, or device lawfully erected under State law and not permitted under subsection (c) of this section, whether or not removed pursuant to or because of this section. The Federal share of such compensation shall be 75 per centum. Such compensation shall be paid for the following:

(A) The taking from the owner of such sign, display, or device of all right, title, leasehold, and interest in such sign, display, or device; and

(B) The taking from the owner of the real property on which the sign, display, or device is located, of the right to erect and maintain such signs, displays, and devices thereon.

(h) All public lands or reservations of the United States which are adjacent to any portion of the Interstate System and the primary system shall be controlled in accordance with the provisions of this section and the national standards promulgated by the Secretary.

(i) In order to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public, the State transportation departments are authorized to maintain maps and to permit information directories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at safety rest areas. Subject to the approval of the Secretary, a State may also establish information centers at safety rest areas and other travel information systems within the rights-of-way for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the State and providing such other information as a State may consider desirable. The Federal share of the cost of establishing such an information center or travel information system shall be that which is provided in section 120 for a highway project on that Federal-aid system to be served by such center or system.

(j) Any State transportation department which has, under this section as in effect on June 30, 1965, entered into an agreement with the Secretary to control the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices in areas adjacent to the Interstate System shall be entitled to receive the bonus payments as set forth in the agreement, but no such State transportation department shall be entitled to such payments unless the State maintains the control required under such agreement: Provided, That permission by a State to erect and maintain information displays which may be changed at reasonable intervals by electronic process or remote control and which provide public service information or advertise activities conducted on the property on which they are located shall not be considered a breach of such agreement or the control required thereunder. Such payments shall be paid only from appropriations made to carry out this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to exempt any State from controlling outdoor advertising as otherwise provided in this section.

(k) Subject to compliance with subsection (g) of this section for the payment of just compensation, nothing in this section shall prohibit a State from establishing standards imposing stricter limitations with respect to signs, displays, and devices on the Federal-aid highway systems than those established under this section.

(l) Not less than sixty days before making a final determination to withhold funds from a State under subsection (b) of this section, or to do so under subsection (b) ofsection 136, or with respect to failing to agree as to the size, lighting, and spacing of signs, displays, and devices or as to unzoned commercial or industrial areas in which signs, displays, and devices may be erected and maintained under subsection (d) of this section, or with respect to failure to approve under subsection (g) ofsection 136, the Secretary shall give written notice to the State of his proposed determination and a statement of the reasons therefor, and during such period shall give the State an opportunity for a hearing on such determination. Following such hearing the Secretary shall issue a written order setting forth his final determination and shall furnish a copy of such order to the State. Within forty-five days of receipt of such order, the State may appeal such order to any United States district court for such State, and upon the filing of such appeal such order shall be stayed until final judgment has been entered on such appeal. Summons may be served at any place in the United States. The court shall have jurisdiction to affirm the determination of the Secretary or to set it aside, in whole or in part. The judgment of the court shall be subject to review by the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located and to the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in title 28, United States Code, section 1254. If any part of an apportionment to a State is withheld by the Secretary under subsection (b) of this section or subsection (b) ofsection 136, the amount so withheld shall not be reapportioned to the other States as long as a suit brought by such State under this subsection is pending. Such amount shall remain available for apportionment in accordance with the final judgment and this subsection. Funds withheld from apportionment and subsequently apportioned or reapportioned under this section shall be available for expenditure for three full fiscal years after the date of such apportionment or reapportionment as the case may be.

(m) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, not to exceed $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1966, not to exceed $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1967, not to exceed $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, not to exceed $27,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1971, not to exceed $20,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1972, and not to exceed $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973. The provisions of this chapter relating to the obligation, period of availability and expenditure of Federal-aid primary highway funds shall apply to the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section after June 30, 1967. Subject to approval by the Secretary in accordance with the program of projects approval process of section 105, ^[1] a State may use any funds apportioned to it under section 104 of this title for removal of any sign, display, or device lawfully erected which does not conform to this section.

(n) No sign, display, or device shall be required to be removed under this section if the Federal share of the just compensation to be paid upon removal of such sign, display, or device is not available to make such payment. Funds apportioned to a State under section 104 of this title shall not be treated for purposes of the preceding sentence as being available to the State for making such a payment except to the extent that the State, in its discretion, expends such funds for such a payment.

(o) The Secretary may approve the request of a State to permit retention in specific areas defined by such State of directional signs, displays, and devices lawfully erected under State law in force at the time of their erection which do not conform to the requirements of subsection (c), where such signs, displays, and devices are in existence on the date of enactment of this subsection and where the State demonstrates that such signs, displays, and devices

(1) provide directional information about goods and services in the interest of the traveling public, and

(2) are such that removal would work a substantial economic hardship in such defined area.

(p) In the case of any sign, display, or device required to be removed under this section prior to the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1974, which sign, display, or device was after its removal lawfully relocated and which as a result of the amendments made to this section by such Act is required to be removed, the United States shall pay 100 per centum of the just compensation for such removal (including all relocation costs).

(q)

(1) During the implementation of State laws enacted to comply with this section, the Secretary shall encourage and assist the States to develop sign controls and programs which will assure that necessary directional information about facilities providing goods and services in the interest of the traveling public will continue to be available to motorists. To this end the Secretary shall restudy and revise as appropriate existing standards for directional signs authorized under subsections 131(c)(1) and 131(f) to develop signs which are functional and esthetically compatible with their surroundings. He shall employ the resources of other Federal departments and agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts, and employ maximum participation of private industry in the development of standards and systems of signs developed for those purposes.

(2) Among other things the Secretary shall encourage States to adopt programs to assure that removal of signs providing necessary directional information, which also were providing directional information on June 1, 1972, about facilities in the interest of the traveling public, be deferred until all other nonconforming signs are removed.

(r) Removal of Illegal Signs.—

(1) By owners.— Any sign, display, or device along the Interstate System or the Federal-aid primary system which was not lawfully erected, shall be removed by the owner of such sign, display, or device not later than the 90th day following the effective date of this subsection.

(2) By states.— If any owner does not remove a sign, display, or device in accordance with paragraph (1), the State within the borders of which the sign, display, or device is located shall remove the sign, display, or device. The owner of the removed sign, display, or device shall be liable to the State for the costs of such removal. Effective control under this section includes compliance with the first sentence of this paragraph.

(s) Scenic Byway Prohibition.— If a State has a scenic byway program, the State may not allow the erection along any highway on the Interstate System or Federal-aid primary system which before, on, or after the effective date of this subsection, is designated as a scenic byway under such program of any sign, display, or device which is not in conformance with subsection (c) of this section. Control of any sign, display, or device on such a highway shall be in accordance with this section. In designating a scenic byway for purposes of this section and section 1047 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, a State may exclude from such designation any segment of a highway that is inconsistent with the State’s criteria for designating State scenic byways. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall preclude a State from signing any such excluded segment, including such segment on a map, or carrying out similar activities, solely for purposes of system continuity.

(t) Primary System Defined.— For purposes of this section, the terms “primary system” and “Federal-aid primary system” mean the Federal-aid primary system in existence on June 1, 1991, and any highway which is not on such system but which is on the National Highway System.

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[1]  See References in Text note below.

Source

(Pub. L. 85–767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 904; Pub. L. 86–342, title I, § 106,Sept. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 612; Pub. L. 87–61, title I, § 106,June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 123; Pub. L. 88–157, § 5,Oct. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 277; Pub. L. 89–285, title I, § 101,Oct. 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 1028; Pub. L. 89–574, § 8(a),Sept. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 768; Pub. L. 90–495, § 6(a)–(d), Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 817; Pub. L. 91–605, title I, § 122(a),Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1726; Pub. L. 93–643, § 109,Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2284; Pub. L. 94–280, title I, § 122,May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §§ 121, 122,Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2700, 2701; Pub. L. 96–106, § 6,Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 797; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, § 1046(a)–(c), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1995, 1996; Pub. L. 102–302, § 104,June 22, 1992, 106 Stat. 253; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, § 314,Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 586; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, § 1212(a)(2)(A),June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 193.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (d), probably means Pub. L. 89–285, Oct. 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 1028, as amended, known as the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, which enacted section 136 of this title and provisions set out as notes under sections 131 and 135 of this title and amended sections 131 and 319 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 136 of this title and Tables.

Section 105, referred to in subsec. (m), was amended generally by Pub. L. 105–178, title I, § 1104(a),June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 127, and by Pub. L. 109–59, title I, § 1104(a),Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1163, and, as so amended, no longer refers to program of highway project approval process by Secretary.

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (o), means May 5, 1976, the date of approval of Pub. L. 94–280.

The date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (p), means Jan. 3, 1975, the date of approval of Pub. L. 93–643.

For the effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsecs. (r)(1) and (s), see the Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note set out below.

Section 1047 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (s), is section 1047 ofPub. L. 102–240, which is set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 105–178, § 1212(a)(2)(A)(ii), substituted “State transportation departments” for “State highway departments”.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–178, § 1212(a)(2)(A)(i), substituted “State transportation department” for “State highway department” in two places.

1995—Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 104–59inserted at end “In designating a scenic byway for purposes of this section and section 1047 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, a State may exclude from such designation any segment of a highway that is inconsistent with the State’s criteria for designating State scenic byways. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall preclude a State from signing any such excluded segment, including such segment on a map, or carrying out similar activities, solely for purposes of system continuity.”

1992—Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 102–302inserted at end “Funds apportioned to a State under section 104 of this title shall not be treated for purposes of the preceding sentence as being available to the State for making such a payment except to the extent that the State, in its discretion, expends such funds for such a payment.”

1991—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 102–240, § 1046(a), inserted at end “Subject to approval by the Secretary in accordance with the program of projects approval process of section 105, a State may use any funds apportioned to it under section 104 of this title for removal of any sign, display, or device lawfully erected which does not conform to this section.”

Subsecs. (r) to (t). Pub. L. 102–240, § 1046(b), (c), added subsecs. (r) to (t).

1979—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 96–106substituted “distribution by nonprofit” for “distribution of nonprofit”.

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–599§§ 121, 122 (c), inserted “including those which may be changed at reasonable intervals by electronic process or by remote control,” after “devices” in cl. (3) and added cl. (5).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 95–599, § 122(a), inserted provision relating to just compensation for the removal of signs lawfully erected under State law but not permitted under subsec. (c).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 95–599, § 122(d), inserted provision relating to permission by the State to erect and maintain information displays.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 95–599, § 122(b), substituted “Subject to compliance with subsection (g) of this section for the payment of just compensation, nothing” for “Nothing”.

1976—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94–280, § 122(a), authorized the Secretary, in consultation with the States, to provide within the rights-of-way of the primary system for areas in which signs, displays, and devices giving specific information in the interest of the traveling public may be erected and maintained.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 94–280, § 122(c), authorized a State to establish travel information systems within the rights-of-way and prescribed as the Federal share of the cost of establishing an information center or travel information system the Federal share which is provided in section 120 of this title for a highway project on that Federal-aid system to be served by such center or system.

Subsecs. (o) to (q). Pub. L. 94–280, § 122(b), added subsecs. (o) to (q).

1975—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–643, § 109(a), required reduction of Federal-aid highway funds apportioned on or after Jan. 1, 1975, or after the expiration of the next regular session of the State legislature, whichever is later, to any State which the Secretary determines has not made provision for effective control of the erection and maintenance along the Interstate System and the primary system of those additional outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices which are more than 660 feet off the nearest edge of the right-of-way, located outside of urban areas, visible from the main traveled way of the system, and erected with the purpose of their message being read from such main traveled way.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–643, § 109(b), substituted “Effective control means that such signs, displays, or devices after January 1, 1968, if located within six hundred and sixty feet of the right-of-way and, on or after July 1, 1975, or after the expiration of the next regular session of the State legislature, whichever is later, if located beyond six hundred and sixty feet of the right-of-way, located outside of urban areas, visible from the main traveled way of the system, and erected with the purpose of their message being read from such main traveled way,” for “Effective control means that after January 1, 1968, such signs, displays, and devices”, deleted in cl. (1) “other” before “official signs”, and added cl. (4).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 93–643, § 109(c), substituted first sentence reading “Just compensation shall be paid upon the removal of any outdoor advertising sign, display, or device lawfully erected under State law.” for prior first sentence which provided for payment of just compensation for removal of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices (1) lawfully in existence on Oct. 22, 1965, (2) lawfully on any highway made a part of the interstate or primary system on or after Oct. 22, 1965, and before Jan. 1, 1968, and (3) lawfully erected on or after Jan. 1, 1968.

1970—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 91–605authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $27,000,000, $20,500,000 and $50,000,000, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1971, 1972, and 1973, respectively.

1968—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–495, § 6(a), provided that whenever a bona fide State, county, or local zoning authority has made a determination of customary use, such determination will be accepted in lieu of controls by agreement in the zoned commercial and industrial areas within the geographical jurisdiction of such authority.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 90–495, § 6(b), struck out provision for the imposition of controls on outdoor advertising by the Federal government that are stricter than those imposed by the State highway department.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 90–495, § 6(c), inserted provision authorizing an appropriation of not to exceed $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 90–495, § 6(d), added subsec. (n).

1966—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 89–574substituted provisions making applicable to the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section after June 30, 1967 the provisions of chapter 1 of this title relating to the obligation, period of availability and expenditure of Federal-aid primary highway funds for provisions prohibiting the use of any part of the Highway Trust Fund in carrying out this section.

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–285struck out specific reference to the area which lies within six-hundred and sixty feet of the edge of the right-of-way and which is visible from the right-of-way and instead made only general reference to the areas adjacent to the Interstate System and struck out reference to types of permissible signs.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–285substituted provisions reducing by 10 per centum the apportioned share, on or after January 1, 1968, of any State not making provision for effective control of erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices within six-hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right of way and visible from the traveled portion, reapportioning withheld funds to other States, and allowing for suspension of such provisions in the discretion of the Secretary, for provisions which authorized the Secretary to enter into agreements with the States to carry out national policy on control of areas adjacent to the Interstate System.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–285substituted provisions setting out permissible types of signs as directional and other official signs and notices, signs advertising sale or lease of property on which the sign is located, and signs, displays, and devices advertising activities conducted on the property on which the sign is located, for provisions allowing for an increase in the Federal share payable under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, as amended, in the case of States entering into an agreement with the Secretary prior to July 1, 1965.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–285substituted provisions allowing for agreements between the Secretary and the several States covering commercial or industrial property, for provisions covering control of the adjacent area when the Interstate System is located on or near public lands or reservations of the United States.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–285substituted provisions setting out the timetable for removal of signs, displays, and devices lawfully along Interstate System or Federal-aid primary system highways, for provisions allowing the inclusion of the cost of purchase or condemnation of the right to advertise or control advertising in the area adjacent to Interstate System right-of-way as part of the cost of construction.

Subsecs. (f) to (m). Pub. L. 89–285added subsecs. (f) to (m).

1963—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 88–157substituted “July 1, 1965” for “July 1, 1963”.

1961—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–61substituted “July 1, 1963” for “July 1, 1961”.

1959—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–342substituted “Agreements entered into between the Secretary of Commerce and State highway departments under this section shall not apply to those segments of the Interstate System which traverse commercial or industrial zones within the presently existing boundaries of incorporated municipalities wherein the use of real property adjacent to the Interstate System is subject to municipal regulation or control, or which traverse other areas where the land use, as of the date of approval of this Act, is clearly established by State law as industrial or commercial” for “Upon application of the State, any such agreement may, within the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce consistent with the national policy, provide for excluding from application of the national standards segments of the Interstate System which traverse incorporated municipalities wherein the use of real property adjacent to the Interstate System is subject to municipal regulation or control, or which traverse other areas where the land use is clearly established by State law as industrial or commercial.”

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–240effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 ofPub. L. 102–240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–495effective Aug. 23, 1968, see section 37 ofPub. L. 90–495, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Study of State Practices on Specific Service Signing

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, § 1213(g),June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 202, provided that:

“(1) Study.—The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the practices in the States for specific service food signs described in sections 2G–5.7 and 2G–5.8 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The study shall examine, at a minimum—

“(A) the practices of all States for determining businesses eligible for inclusion on such signs;

“(B) whether States allow businesses to be removed from such signs and the circumstances for such removal;

“(C) the practices of all States for erecting and maintaining such signs, including the time required for erecting such signs; and

“(D) whether States contract out the erection and maintenance of such signs.

“(2) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study, including any recommendations and, if appropriate, modifications to the Manual.”

Effect of 1991 Amendment on State Compliance Laws or Regulations

Section 1046(d) ofPub. L. 102–240provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall not affect the status or validity of any existing compliance law or regulation adopted by a State pursuant to section 131 of title 23, United States Code.”

Use of Tourist Oriented Directional Signs

Section 1059 ofPub. L. 102–240provided that:

“(a) In General.—The Secretary shall encourage the States to provide for equitable participation in the use of tourist oriented directional signs or ‘logo’ signs along the Interstate System and the Federal-aid primary system (as defined under section 131 (t) of title 23, United States Code).

“(b) Study.—Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this title [Dec. 18, 1991], the Secretary shall conduct a study and report to Congress on the participation in the use of signs referred to in subsection (a) and the practices of the States with respect to the use of such signs.”

Highway Beautification Commission

Section 123 ofPub. L. 91–605, as amended by Pub. L. 93–6, Feb. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 6, established the Commission on Highway Beautification to (1) study existing statutes and regulations governing control of outdoor advertising and junkyards in areas adjacent to Federal-aid highway system, (2) review policies and practices of Federal and State agencies charged with administrative jurisdiction over such highways insofar as such policies and practices relate to governing control of outdoor advertising and junkyards, (3) compile data necessary to understand and determine the requirements for such control which may now exist or are likely to exist within foreseeable future, (4) study problems relating to control of on-premise outdoor advertising signs, promotional signs, directional signs, and signs providing information that is essential to motoring public, (5) study methods of financing and possible sources of Federal funds, including use of the Highway Trust Fund, to carry out highway beautification program, and (6) recommend such modifications or additions to existing laws, regulations, policies, practices, and demonstration programs as will, in judgment of the Commission, achieve a workable and effective highway beautification program and best serve the public interest and to submit, not later than Dec. 31, 1973, its final report. The Commission terminated six months after submission of said report.

Comprehensive Study on Highway Beautification Programs

Section 302 ofPub. L. 89–285provided that in order to provide the basis for evaluating the continuing programs authorized by Pub. L. 89–285, and to furnish the Congress with the information necessary for authorization of appropriations for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 1967, the Secretary, in cooperation with the State highway departments, shall make a detailed estimate of the cost of carrying out the provisions of Pub. L. 89–285, and a comprehensive study of the economic impact of such programs on affected individuals and commercial and industrial enterprises, the effectiveness of such programs and the public and private benefits realized thereby, and alternate or improved methods of accomplishing the objectives of Pub. L. 89–285. The Secretary was required to submit such detailed estimate and a report concerning such comprehensive study to the Congress not later than Jan. 10, 1967.

Standards, Criteria, Rules and Regulations

Section 303 ofPub. L. 89–285mandated the holding of public hearings by the Secretary of Commerce prior to the promulgation of standards, criteria and rules and regulations necessary to carry out this section and section 136 of this title, such standards, criteria, etc., to be reported to Congress not later than Jan. 10, 1967.

Acquisition of Dwellings

Section 305 ofPub. L. 89–285provided that: “Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and section 319 of this title and enacting section 136 of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 135 and 136 of this title] shall be construed to authorize the use of eminent domain to acquire any dwelling (including related buildings).”

Taking of Private Property Without Just Compensation

Section 401 ofPub. L. 89–285provided that: “Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and section 319 of this title and enacting section 136 of this title and provisions set out as notes under sections 131, 135, and 136 of this title] shall be construed to authorize private property to be taken or the reasonable and existing use restricted by such taking without just compensation as provided in this Act.”

Authorization of Additional Appropriations for Administrative Expenses

Section 402 ofPub. L. 89–285, as amended by Pub. L. 97–449, § 2(a),Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2439, provided that: “In addition to any other amounts authorized by this Act and the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and section 319 of this title and enacting section 136 of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 135 and 136 of this title], there is authorized to be appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the Secretary not to exceed $5,000,000 for administrative expenses in carrying out this Act (including amendments made by this Act).”