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Campaign Updates>
Penry legislation to help Palisade Fruit Growers
April 18, 2006
GJ Free Press:
Last year, the Colorado Department of Transportation told
peach growers in Palisade that they could not place signs
advertising their fruit stands next to the road.
But Rep. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, might have just
taken the steps necessary to change that.
Penry passed an amendment last week that would allow peach
growers and farmers to advertise their fruit stands.
It requires the Colorado department of Transportation to
develop a sign program specific to agriculture-related
tourism.
It’s similar to programs in place in several other states,
Penry said.
The new law would allow fruit-stand owners to put signs in
rights of way, subject to safety and aesthetic regulations
established by the county.
Earlier this year, Penry was able to get the amendment in
the House of Representatives, but it was stripped in the
Colorado Senate.
Last week, Penry was able to get the language inserted back
in the final spending bill.
It was approved in both the House and Senate and it’s on
its way to the Governor’s desk to be signed.
Penry said the amendment was a big deal for Palisade fruit
growers.
“These signs are not only critical to the lifeblood of
Palisade fruit farmers, but also to the entire palisade
community,” Penry said.
Penry announced the passage of his legislation Saturday in
Palisade. Several folks showed up to express their
appreciation and support, including Palisade Mayor Doug
Edwards, a representative from the Colorado Farm Bureau,
Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland and several area
fruit growers.
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