New Connecticut Executive Order On Outdoor Signage
Governor Jodi Rell's Executive Order No. 18 will curtail the number of billboards and other advertising in the state.

Earlier this year, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell issued an executive order that will curtail the number of billboards and other outdoor advertising displays in Connecticut: .

Executive Order No. 18

WHEREAS, Connecticut is of state with a distinctive landscape and natural and historic beauty; and

WHEREAS, during the past several years there has been an increase in the number of outdoor advertising displays and billboards in Connecticut; and

WHEREAS, the outdoor advertising displays and billboards clutter our landscape and pose a potential distraction to the state’s motorists; and

WHEREAS, a number of these outdoor displays and billboards are located on state owned property;

WHEREAS, many of the current contracts between the State of Connecticut and private entities allowing for the erection and/or maintenance of outdoor advertising structures, devices or displays contain renewal options; and

WHEREAS, in order to maintain the historic and natural landscape of our State it is necessary to curtail the number of outdoor advertising displays and billboards;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and
DIRECT:

1. That no new contracts for the erection and/or maintenance of outdoor advertising structures, devices or displays on state-owned property shall be executed;
2. That no renewal options in existing contracts for the erection and/or maintenance of outdoor advertising structures, devices or displays on state-owned property shall be exercised; and
3. That this Order takes effect immediately.

According to ASLA policy, the Society believes that the control and/or removal of existing billboards, plus the regulation of new billboards, is essential so that the visual quality of the landscape is not diminished.  ASLA commends Governor Rell for her leadership on this important issue.