The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska and a group supporting Mike Dunleavy for governor filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging a state ban on advertising along highways. The lawsuit follows the state Department of Transportation recently removing political signs.
Alaska has had a prohibition on advertising along state highways since 1949 when it was a territory. There are a few exceptions, including for scenic attractions.
The law bars all advertising within 660 feet of a highway, including interstates and other state-designated roads. The prohibition includes both public and private property.
Andrew Kitchenman is the state government and politics reporter for Alaska Public Media and KTOO in Juneau. Reach him at akitchenman@alaskapublic.org.
