CR_12-046 Hearing on an amendment to Chapter Trans 200, relating to the erection of signs on public highways.

  • Effect on Small Business
    This proposed rule does not have a significant effect on small business.
    Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
    This proposed rule order will not have an effect on small business.
    Agency Contact Person
    John Reinemann, Executive Secretary, Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board, 131 West Wilson Street, Suite 902, Box 7885, Madison WI 53707-7885, telephone 608-267-2206, email john.reinemann@wisconsin.gov .
    Effective Date
    This rule shall take effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register, as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.) , Stats.
    Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
    Not Applicable.
    Fiscal Estimate
    Attached.
    Text of Rule:
    SECTION 1. HEA 5.04 is amended to read:
    HEA 5.04 Talent incentive grant eligibility. To be eligible for an initial grant award, a uniquely needy student shall be a Wisconsin resident, a first-time freshman and meet at least one criterion under sub. (1) and one criterion under sub. (2). The minimum award a freshman can receive will be $600 with the maximum being $1,800.
    (1) Financial need criteria.
    (a) A dependent student whose expected academic year parent contribution is $200 or less, or an independent student whose academic year contribution is $200 or less.
    (b) The family of a dependent student or the student, if independent, is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Wisconsin Works benefits.
    (c) The parents of dependent students or the student, if independent, are ineligible for unemployment compensation and have no current income from employment.
    (2) Non-traditional student status criteria.
    (a) The student is a member of one of the minority groups defined in s. 39.44 (1) (a), Stats.
    (b) (a) The student is or will be enrolled in a special academic support program due to insufficient academic preparation.
    (c) (b) The student is a first-generation post-secondary student, neither of whose parents graduated from a 4 year college or university.
    (d) (c ) The student is handicapped according to department of workforce development, division of vocational rehabilitation records or according to the Special Needs or Disabilities Office on Wisconsin college or university campuses which use the Americans with Disabilities Act definition under 42 USC 12102 (2).
    (e) ( d) The student is currently or was formerly incarcerated in a correctional institution.
    (f) (e) The student's environment or academic background is such that it deters the pursuit of educational plans.
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original     Updated     Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    Section HEA 5.04
    3. Subject
    Wisconsin Talent Incentive Grant
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    X GPR   FED   PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    20.0005 (fd), 20.235 (1) (fd)
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes     X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    Section HEA 5.04 is not in compliance with federal law (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). See text of rule for details.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    Rule has been discussed with representatives from the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, Wisconsin's tribal colleges, and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU).
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    None.
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    No substantive impact anticipated
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    Implementation would bring s. HEA 5.04 into alignment with federal law. The alternative would be to continue to ignore s. HEA 5.04's non-compliance.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    Implementation would bring s. HEA 5.04 into alignment with federal law, forestalling potential challenges to the program.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    The proposed change would make s. HEAB 5.04 compliant and consistent with federal law.
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota )
    See text of rule.
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
    John Reinemann, Executive Secretary
    608-267-2206
    *This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.
    ATTACHMENT A
    1. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Small Businesses (Separately for each Small Business Sector, Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    Not applicable.
    2. Summary of the data sources used to measure the Rule's impact on Small Businesses
    Not applicable.
    3. Did the agency consider the following methods to reduce the impact of the Rule on Small Businesses?
    Less Stringent Compliance or Reporting Requirements
    Less Stringent Schedules or Deadlines for Compliance or Reporting
    Consolidation or Simplification of Reporting Requirements
    Establishment of performance standards in lieu of Design or Operational Standards
    Exemption of Small Businesses from some or all requirements
    X Other, describe:
    Small business analysis is non-applicable.
    4. Describe the methods incorporated into the Rule that will reduce its impact on Small Businesses
    Non-applicable.
    5. Describe the Rule's Enforcement Provisions
    Rule removes a criteria from the current list of criteria used in the program. Removing the affected clause from the rule will prevent the affected criteria from being used in consideration of the program.
    6. Did the Agency prepare a Cost Benefit Analysis (if Yes, attach to form)
    Yes X No
    Notice of Hearing
    Transportation
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to sections 86.195 and 227.11 Stats., interpreting section 86.195 , Stats., the Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on an amendment to Chapter Trans 200 , Wis. Admin. Code, relating to the erection of signs on public highways.
    Hearing Information
    Date:   Wednesday, November 28, 2012
    Time:   1:00 p.m.
    Location:   Hill Farms Transportation Building
      Room 144B
      4802 Sheboygan Avenue
      Madison, WI 53705
    Accessibility
    Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call John Noll at (608) 266-0318 with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
    Submitting Comments on the Rule
    The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted at the following Internet site: http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov . Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Mr. John Noll, SIS/TODS Program Coordinator, Bureau of Traffic Operations, Traffic Engineering Section, Traffic Design Unit, Room 501, P.O. Box 7986, Madison, WI 53707-7986, or by calling (608) 266-0318. You may also contact Mr. Noll via email at: john.noll@dot.wi.gov . Comments may be submitted in lieu of public hearing testimony or comments supplementing testimony offered at the public hearing until close of business on November 28, 2012 .
    Analysis Prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
    Statutory authority
    Sections 86.195 and 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats.
    Statutes interpreted
    Sections 86.195 and 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Section 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats., expressly confers rulemaking authority on the department to promulgate rules interpreting any statute enforced or administered by it, if the agency considers it necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute. The department of transportation may authorize the erection and maintenance of a specific information sign upon the request of any person within the right-of-way of a federal-aid primary highway or within the right-of-way of a federal-aid secondary highway under the jurisdiction of the department in accordance with s. 86.195 , Stats.
    Plain language rule analysis
    This proposed rule-making would re-word s. Trans 200.06 (7) (b) 3. a. , relating to the number of business logo panels allowed on specific information signs at interchanges when fewer than 6 qualified facilities are available in one or more of the categories of GAS, FOOD, LODGING, CAMPING and ATTRACTIONS. Business logo panels for 2 categories of motorist services may be displayed on the same information sign with certain limitations. Amending this rule increases flexibility, allowing more businesses to participate while making optimal use of existing structures.
    Related statute or rule
    There are no statutes or rules other than those referenced above or currently under promulgation related to this proposed rulemaking.
    Comparison with similar rules in adjacent states
    Michigan: The categories allowed in Michigan are Gas/Diesel, Food, Lodging Camping and 24-hour Pharmacies. When displaying logo panels for multiple categories, Michigan complies with the 2009 Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): When 2 types of services are displayed on one sign, the logo sign panels shall be limited to either 3 for each motorist service type (for a total of 6 sign panels), or 4 of one motorist service type and 2 of the other motorist service type (for a total of 6 sign panels).
    Minnesota: Logo signs can be installed on Interstate highways and certain freeways in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. Other highways are ineligible. The signs are located at interchanges, not intersections.
    GAS, FOOD, LODGING and CAMPING businesses may advertise on logo signs. These businesses provide essential motorist services, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
    When displaying logo panels on Interstate highways and certain freeways, Minnesota's logo program complies with the 2009 Federal MUTCD, which allows 4 of one motorist service type and 2 of the other motorist service type (for a total of 6 sign panels).
    Illinois: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) administers a Business Logo Signing Program along various Interstate highways and other freeways. This program involves mounting gas, food, lodging, camping business, and 24-hour pharmacy signs, referred to as logos, on large blue-background panels in advance of interchange exits and along exit ramps to alert motorists to available motorist services.
    The program includes all sections of Interstate highways and other freeways except those passing through densely populated urbanized areas where logo signing would overload motorists with information that is not essential to their safe travel. It does not apply to highways under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.
    Logo panels may be displayed to allow 3 business categories with 2 business logo panels from each category (for a total of 6 sign panels) on a single business sign structure. When 2 business categories are displayed on a single sign structure, 3 logo panels from each of the 2 business categories may be displayed, or 4 logo panels from 1 business category and 2 logo panels from another business category (for a total of 6 sign panels).
    TOURIST ATTRACTION signs may be combined with business logo signs (Gas, Food, Camping and 24-Hour Pharmacy) on the same structure, with no more than 6 business logo panels displayed on any one structure. Tourist Attraction panels will not be combined with existing business service signs displaying more than 3 business logo panels. When tourist attraction signs are combined with business logo signs, one space will remain available for each business logo service type displayed on the structure.
    This combination is different from what is suggested in the 2009 Federal MUTCD.
    Iowa: Iowa DOT requirements for mainline specific service signs erected in advance of an interchange, in a single direction of travel, and limitations regarding the numbers and types of business signs attached to these motorist service signs are as follows: Each mainline specific service sign is limited to 6 business logo panels. This restriction applies regardless of whether the specific service sign displays a single type of motorist service or a combination of motorist service types.
    In general, only one type of motorist service should be displayed on each mainline specific service sign. However, the department may combine motorist service types on one sign for a reason such as, but not limited to, the following:
    (1) Each combination sign is limited to 6 business logo panels.
    (2) No more than 3 motorist service types shall be represented on any combination sign.
    (3) For a combination sign displaying 3 types of motorist services, the number of business logo panels for each motorist service type is limited to 2.
    (4) For a combination sign that will accommodate at least 4 business logo panels, each type of motorist service displayed on the sign must have at least 2 positions designated for that service type. This complies with the 2009 Federal MUTCD.
    Summary of, and preliminary comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation
    This rule change is consistent with the 2009 Federal MUTCD adopted by WisDOT. By allowing more flexibility, more businesses could participate in the Specific Information Sign (SIS) program.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    The proposed rule change complies with the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). When 2 types of motorist services are displayed on one sign, the logo sign panels shall be limited to either 3 for each motorist service type (for a total of 6 sign panels), or 4 of one motorist service type and 2 for the other motorist service type (for a total of 6 sign panels). No factual data was required for the rule-making in this proposal, as the changes were made for consistency with the Federal MUTCD previously adopted by WisDOT. For that reason, no analysis was involved in the preparation of this proposed rule.
    Anticipated Private Sector Costs
    This amendment and the legislation which grants the department rule making authority does not have a significant fiscal effect on the private sector. Additionally, no costs are associated with compliance with this rule.
    Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
    The proposed rule change does not have a significant economic impact on small business. The amendment to this rule will have a minor impact on small businesses that fall under the categories of GAS, FOOD, LODGING, CAMPING and ATTRACTIONS, and that participate in the Specific Information Signing (SIS) program. The additional business panel space that this rule will create by permitting two business panels of one category and four business panels of another category (rather than the three categories currently allowed), will give motorists more information about businesses to choose from at these exits.
    The degree of economic impact experienced by participating businesses cannot be predicted using data due to the subjective nature of the rule amendment. Giving motorists more choices does not guarantee a positive or negative economic impact for the affected businesses. However, small businesses will likely become more competitive by the addition of more small business advertising. There is no reporting, bookkeeping, or other procedures required for compliance with the rule, nor are any special professional skills necessary for compliance with the rule. The number of exits or interchanges affected by this rule change statewide is minimal; therefore, the overall economic impact would be insignificant.
    Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small business
    By allowing a split of categories, with up to 4 business logo panels for one motorist service type and 2 business logo panels of another motorist service type, more businesses could simultaneously take advantage of using motorist service business logo panels. Subsequently, this would reduce the number of businesses on the waiting list for motorist services business logo panels at those particular interchanges or intersections. If more businesses are able to take advantage of the SIS program, the department anticipates this regulatory change will have a minor fiscal effect on small business.
    Pursuant to s. IV, 3. a. of Executive Order #50, the changes proposed herein are posted on the state's and the department's administrative rules website and will be posted until close of business on the day of the public hearing to solicit comments regarding their potential economic impact on businesses, business sectors, professional associations, local government units, or potentially interested parties.
    Small Business
    Pursuant to s. 227.114 , Stats., it is not anticipated that the proposed rule will have a significant economic impact on small business. The Department's Small Business Regulatory Coordinator, Michele Carter, may be contacted at: (414) 438-4587 or (608) 266-6961, or by emailing her at: michele.carter@dot.wi.gov .
    Agency Contact Person
    John Noll, SIS/TODS Program Coordinator, Bureau of Traffic Operations, Traffic Engineering Section, Traffic Design Unit, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 501, P.O. Box 7986, Madison, WI 53707-7986; (608) 266-0318; john.noll@dot.wi.gov .
    To view the proposed amendment to the rule, view the current rule, and submit written comments via email/internet, you may visit the following website:
    Environmental Impact
    The department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis. No petition has been received requesting an environmental analysis.
    Text of Proposed Rule
    SECTION 1. Specific Information and Business Signs. Trans 200.06 (7) (b) 3. a. is amended to read: At interchanges where not more than 3 qualified facilities are available for each of 2 or more types of motorist services, business signs for 2 types of motorist services may be displayed on the same specific information sign. Not more than 3 business signs for each type of motorist service may be displayed in combination on a specific information sign with 2 types of motorist services When it becomes necessary to display a fourth business sign for a type of motorist service displayed in combination, the business signs involved shall then be displayed in compliance with subds. 1. and 2. When 2 types of motorist services are displayed on one sign, the business sign panels shall be limited to 3 for each motorist service type, or 4 for one motorist service type and 2 for the other motorist service type. Not more than 6 business sign panels may be displayed on one specific information sign.
    SECTION 11. Effective Date . This rule shall take effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.) , Stats.
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original     Updated     Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    Chapter Trans 200 / Specific Information and Business Signs / Section Trans 200.06 (7) (b) 3.
    3. Subject
    Administrative rule language change.
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    GPR   FED   PRO   PRS   X SEG   SEG-S
    20.395 (3) (eq)
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    X Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    X State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    X Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes     X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    The current rule language allows two (2) categories of motorist services on the same sign, with a maximum of three (3) business panels for each motorist service category, not to exceed a total of six (6) business panels. The new rule language would allow a combination of two (2) categories of motorist services on the same sign, with a maximum of four (4) business panels from one motorist service category and two (2) business panels from a second motorist service category, not to exceed a total of six (6) business panels.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    Motorist services businesses, such as GAS, FOOD, LODGING, CAMPING and ATTRACTIONS that may participate in the Specific Information Signs (SIS) program may be affected by the proposed rule.
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    WisDOT
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    The businesses that this rule language change will affect may increase the number of motorists that take advantage of the services they provide, resulting in a positive economic impact. Statewide economic and fiscal impacts are expected to be minimal, due to the small number of business entities that would likely be affected.
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    At certain interchanges throughout the state, more businesses that fall under the categories of GAS, FOOD, LODGING, CAMPING and ATTRACTIONS could be listed on Specific Information Signs (SIS), thereby reducing the number of businesses on the "Waiting List" at those intersections.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    A long-range implication of changing the rule language is the generation of more revenue from the collection of additional permit fees payable to WisDOT.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2009 edition adopted by Wisconsin allows the combination described in #9 above.
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota)
    Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota comply with the 2009 MUTCD by allowing three (3) business logo panels for two (2) motorist service types (for a total of six (6) business logo panels), or four (4) of one motorist service type and two (2) of the other motorist service type (for a total of six (6) panels), which conforms to the intended rule language change in Wisconsin. In Illinois, the approach is different when the "ATTRACTION" category is included on a sign with multiple categories. When the "ATTRACTION" category is included on a sign with multiple categories, one logo panel space must always be available to add another business logo panel from one of the other motorist service types, which include: GAS, FOOD, LODGING, CAMPING or 24-HOUR PHARMACY. This approach differs from the rule language changes Wisconsin wishes to enact.
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
    John Noll
    608-266-0318
    This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.
    ATTACHMENT A
    1. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Small Businesses (Separately for each Small Business Sector, Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    The businesses that this rule language change will affect may increase the number of motorists that take advantage of the services they provide, resulting in a positive economic impact. Statewide economic and fiscal impacts are expected to be minimal, due to the small number of business entities that would likely be affected.
    2. Summary of the data sources used to measure the Rule's impact on Small Businesses
    By counting the number of interchanges statewide where this rule change could be implemented, and assuming the business is open a minimum of 16 hours per day, multiplied by the number of days in a year, multiplied by 1 customer per additional hour per day spending a minimum $10 for each visit, this rule language change could increase motorist service business sales more than $11 million per year.
    3. Did the agency consider the following methods to reduce the impact of the Rule on Small Businesses?
    Less Stringent Compliance or Reporting Requirements
    Less Stringent Schedules or Deadlines for Compliance or Reporting
    Consolidation or Simplification of Reporting Requirements
    Establishment of performance standards in lieu of Design or Operational Standards
    Exemption of Small Businesses from some or all requirements
    Other, describe:
    N/A
    4. Describe the methods incorporated into the Rule that will reduce its impact on Small Businesses
    The impact will be positive on all businesses, so small businesses will be fully eligible to participate.
    5. Describe the Rule's Enforcement Provisions
    There are no rule enforcement provisions aside from eligibility.
    6. Did the Agency prepare a Cost Benefit Analysis (if Yes, attach to form)
    Yes X No