Iowa DOT hinders business climate

Recently, the Iowa Department of Transportation ordered Cedar Valley Winery to remove a sign located on the owner's property, even though grape vines are planted on that farm and vineyard equipment is maintained and stored on that farm.

Cedar Valley Winery has tried to work with the DOT for signs since they began over 14 years ago. Applications were made for the signs and after obtaining the proper leases, the DOT denied the applications since Jefferson County is not zoned and they stated that a winery was not a commercial business. Application was then made for a private directional sign and the DOT denied that application stating that a vineyard and winery was not a 'cultural activity.” The only thing approved by the DOT were small tourist signs that were placed so close to the turn off to the vineyard and winery that they present a danger to highway traffic.

While the governor and legislators talk about improving Iowa's business climate, the DOT does everything it can to hinder it. The DOT cites federal highway money is at stake as the reason. I wonder how many federal dollars other states are losing because of their signage. I think the DOT has an 'anti-business” approach instead of saying, 'what can we do to encourage and help small business.”

No one wants to see Iowa's beautiful highways cluttered with billboards, however, the DOT needs to encourage and help small business instead of setting up roadblocks.

David P. Miller

Batavia