MoDOT Rule Change Prompts Nationwide Opposition (Cobleskill, NY) -- The National Caves Association (NCA) is officially on record in opposition to the Missouri Department of Transportations (MoDOT) proposed rule change that will eliminate Major Traffic Generator Signage for privately owned Showcaves in Missouri. Owners of Showcaves, Natural Wonders, and Historic Sites from across the US will be closely watching for the decision of the Missouri Transportation Commission later this month regarding the future of this critical sign program. Fears are Missouri could set a precedent that could be followed in other states where private attraction signage is removed, but State and Federal attraction signs are allowed to remain creating the appearance that privately owned attractions are second class. Showcaves have been considered by many as some of the nations first tourist attractions as many opened in the early 1800s. Many of the showcaves are small family businesses that are passed down from generation to generation. A recent economic impact study conducted by Texas A&M University showed that almost 10 million visitors tour showcaves annually in the US. Missouri, also nicknamed the Cave State, is home to 10 showcaves that are members of the association, the most of any state. Our members support local economies by providing employment opportunities in the local communities and by generating tax revenue from the sale of admission tickets and merchandise. In the most recent economic study (2013) on showcaves in United States it was found that the average Showcave generates approximately $1.5 million in revenues annually and pays expenses of approximately $636,000 annually in the form of payroll, insurance, advertising and other expenses. The average attendance at these showcaves is more than 70,000 visitors annually which mean the 10 showcaves in Missouri which are members of the association host in excess of 700,000 visitors annually. These showcaves pay expenses into local economies and in the form of government taxes and fees, in excess of $6 million annually. The vast majority of these expenses, almost $4.5 million, are payroll expenses. The potential loss of visitation caused by the removal of the traffic generator signs will not only harm our members and other small businesses which rely on these signs, but may force our members to lay off valued employees due to decreased visitation. These national treasurers have survived depressions, recessions, government regulations reducing the number of signs and gas embargos over the years, but one constant is the need for adequate directional signage. Directional signage was considered so important that the Federal governments Highway Beautification Act of 1968 directed the Missouri Highway Department to Šerect within the right of way, of all classes of highways within the state, signs and notices pertaining to publicly and privately owned natural wonders and scenic and historical attractionsŠ (RSMo 226.525) Iconic natural wonders such as Bridal Cave, famous for underground weddings, Fantastic Caverns, Americas only ride-through cave, and Meramec Caverns, the infamous Jessie James hideout, will all have their signs removed or reduced in size by over 75 percent if this rule change is allowed to pass, states Robert Holt Executive Director of the NCA. Ironically, while privately owned attractions may have to remove or reduce the size of their signage, the highway departments of most states, including Missouri, have actually been on a multiyear program to increase the size of highway signs to improve safety. MoDOT has scheduled the public comment period during one of the busiest times of the year so time is running out. The NCA suggests your contact your state legislators and send your comments to Pam Harlan, Secretary to the Commission, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102 before the Jan. 15, 2015 deadline to insure that these gems of Americana are easily and safely located by the traveling public for generations to come. The National Caves Association, founded in 1965, is a non-profit organization of public and privately owned showcaves and caverns developed for public visitation. For more information please contact Robert Holt, Executive Director at 518-231-5420, bob@cavern or P.O. Box 625 Cobleskill, NY 12043
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 02:38:21 +0000
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