So what does everyone think about this?
QuoteTALLAHASSEE --
State legislators head back to work in Tallahassee in a few days.
They say their main focus is fixing the $3.5 billion shortfall in Florida's budget. However, one idea on how to close the gap is stirring some controversy.
A new bill filed in the state house would let companies bid for the naming rights to state roads, rest stops, parks and toll facilities. About 80 percent would go to the state's Transportation Trust Fund, which pays for road construction and maintenance.
"The economy in Florida needs all the help it can get. I think naming the turnpike, should have something to do with Disney. They would be able to direct people right into Disney and into the Orlando area. The whole state of Florida needs help," said driver Roosevelt Hays.
"I don't think it should be for sale. It should be a famous person versus a company, but he and I disagree. We've always disagreed," said driver Cheryl Hays.
Floridians for Better Transportation's Doug Callaway said many highways are already filled with billboards, restaurants and other commercial properties. He said he just wants proceeds from any road re-naming to go to road building.
"If we are going to seel naming rights for a highway, the proceeds for that ought to go to transportation, not to plug budget holes for government somewhere else," said Doug Callaway.
http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/january/200429/Renaming-roads-may-ease-states-budget-shortfall
I don't particularly like the idea for highways. It would be too confusing and really open the door for misuse of public revenue. On the other hand, I'm not against naming rights for a local transit system. The deal with TECO that Tampa has with their streetcar seems like it benefits the city. Perhaps we could have the 'Regions' Skyway? It would bring a new level of accountability the operating entity would be held to. Something tells me we would not end up with the 'Gate Petroleum' Skyway...
a simple spin on this would be for roads to be "sponsored" by companies....this is already done in several states, including South carolina....drive along I-26 and it is clear who payed to "adopt" certain sections of the highway
I have no problem with it. Then again, I want to see ads on buses and bus shelters and don't mind billboards. ;D
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2011, 01:28:32 PM
Quote from: RWNeal on January 27, 2011, 01:27:46 PM
I have no problem with it. Then again, I want to see ads on buses and bus shelters and don't mind billboards. ;D
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Hardee's!!! Remember - you're in the South, son! ;)
Quote from: tufsu1 on January 27, 2011, 01:26:01 PM
a simple spin on this would be for roads to be "sponsored" by companies....this is already done in several states, including South carolina....drive along I-26 and it is clear who payed to "adopt" certain sections of the highway
'Adopting' a highway in SC means is you pick up litter along that section, on some periodic basis. No money is involved. It is a community service project for non-profits, companies, etc.
Quote from: stephendare on January 27, 2011, 01:50:15 PM
lol. duly noted.
I was badly trying to quote a line from Idiocracy. in which the future is populated entirely by morons who are named after corporate trademarks, wear corporate logo clothes, and in which the secretary of Defense follows every statement with a short plug: Sponsored by Carl's Junior.
Ah. I didn't place it. Idiocracy hasn't lodged itself in my brain as much as Office Space has.
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I don't like it. Roads should retain their names to limit confusion for travellers, especially in a tourism driven state. Furthermore, wouldn't all of the signage have to be constantly replaced and maps updated every time a road name changes?
I seem to remember some guy was trying to lease advertising space on his forehead on E-Bay. I never heard what bids he got.
Quote from: vicupstate on January 28, 2011, 10:58:28 AM
I seem to remember some guy was trying to lease advertising space on his forehead on E-Bay. I never heard what bids he got.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6867209/ns/us_news-weird_news/
$37,375 for 1 month of advertising
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