The state is looking for sponsors for 37 rest areas along interstates in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Transportation website says the money would help offset the costs of operating the rest areas. What’s left would help the state with “highway operational costs and contribute to system improvements.”
The money gets the sponsor signs, displaying their name or logo, placed along the highway near the rest area and inside the rest area facility. The sponsorship contract period is three years, and the minimum bid to sponsor a single rest area is $7,500 for the three-year period.
A brochure explaining the sponsorship opportunities says the signs are not considered advertising.
“No, advertising is prohibited within the public right of way. The Federal Highway Administration has approved the use of these signs as “acknowledgment signs,” similar to Adopt-a-Highway signs. Acknowledgment signs allow for the identification of a sponsor who has provided a highway-related service or made a monetary contribution,” the brochure says.
State officials estimate 16 million visitors are served at rest areas in Iowa each year.
The rest areas along I-80 at milepost 300 in Davenport are among those available for sponsorship.
Bids must be received from potential sponsors by October 9, 2013. Sponsorships begin November 1, 2013.
