Sec. 2.

(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this act, the department shall implement a program for the placement of tourist-oriented directional signs and markers within the right-of-way of those portions of rural roads within state jurisdiction. At a minimum, the program shall include all of the following:

(a) The form of the application for a permit to participate in the program.

(b) The criteria for limiting the number of permits for a single site or area.

(c) The criteria for issuing a permit for which multiple applications have been received.

(d) The removal or covering of signs, if necessary, during the off-season of an eligible attraction that operates seasonally.

(e) Criteria for including on a sign the season and hours of operation of an eligible attraction.

(f) Criteria for awarding sign manufacturing, installation, or maintenance contracts to nongovernmental agencies.

(g) A provision specifying that a person who obtains a permit under this act is responsible for payment of all costs incurred in the replacement of a sign, including the costs of manufacturing and installing the replacement sign, and covering of the sign, if necessary.

(h) Provision for the establishment of a review board to consider and grant or deny applications for the waiver of distance requirements imposed under this act for tourist-oriented directional signs. The review board shall consist of at least 1 member representative of the state transportation department, at least 1 member representative of the department of agriculture, at least 1 member representative of the Michigan travel bureau, and at least 2 members representative of persons in the general public who are engaged in tourist-oriented activities.

(2) The department may authorize a nongovernmental entity to manufacture, install, and maintain signs under this act pursuant to a written contract. The written contract shall not prohibit the nongovernmental entity from making a reasonable profit, which shall be determined by the department.

History: 1996, Act 299, Imd. Eff. June 19, 1996