Ready for ads at your favorite park?

A bill that would allow the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to accept advertising signage on land and property under its jurisdiction is one debate away from landing on the governor’s desk for a signature.
And if the past three legislative deliberations on the proposal are any indication, it will be a short and favorable debate.
Under House Bill 867, Advertising could be placed in parks, state forests, state vehicles, campgrounds and recreation areas, among other places.
The measure was brought on behalf of the department by Rep. Chris Leopold, R- Belle Chasse, was similar to bills pass several years ago that dealt with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
“This will allow us selectively, and with good taste, to do some advertising, but also to generate some revenue,” said Commissioner Mike Strain of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said in a committee meeting.
It unanimously passed the House two weeks ago and sent to the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday where it received favorable treatment. Monday it is scheduled for debate in the full Senate.
But some Representatives during the floor debate raised concerns about the lack of regulations in the bill, and the type of companies that would be allowed to advertise.
“Suppose it was a tampon company,” said Rep. Sam Jones, D- Franklin.
“Could you use any other kind of hypothetical?” responded Leopold. “I have teenage daughters at home.”
“Suppose it would be the Atlanta Falcons that wanted to advertise,” suggested Jones. “Same thing.”
While the bill doesn’t have specific provisions spelling out who can do the advertising and what can be said, Leopold said he expected the companies advertising to have some relevance to the department. He cited Department of Transportation currently partnership with State Farm Insurance, which sponsors its Motor Assistance Patrol (MAP) which provides free motor vehicle assistance to motorists. The State Farm logo is emblazoned on the MAP vehicles.
“We’re not going into the advertising business,” Strain told Manship School News Service. “It’s to get sponsorship for specific projects.”
One project Strain said he has in mind is improving to Indian Creek Recreation Area, a campground near Woodworth that receives no state funds. He said if advertisers are allowed to sponsor the park with signage, his department could use the money to improve its playground equipment and make other upgrades.
“It’s a creative way to raise some revenue in these (strained) economic times that everyone can relate to,” said Leopold.