Welcome to Houlton sign installed

HOULTON, Maine — A new notice greets motorists as they exit the Interstate in Houlton after a new, electronic “Welcome To Houlton” sign was erected in the Dunn’s Furniture shopping plaza.
    “SADC’s ‘Sold on Houlton’ Committee was originally chaired by Dallas Henderson, a longtime Houlton businessman,” explained Jon McLaughlin, executive director of SADC. “He had a vision for a sign to be erected at the exit off I-95, directing folks to our beautiful downtown. Unfortunately before Dallas could see much progress happening with the project, he passed away. SADC continued with his vision and in collaboration with the town of Houlton, overcame many obstacles in order to achieve this almost 4-year goal.”
The town and Maine Department of Transportation reached an agreement to allow the sign to be positioned facing the Interstate off-ramp. MDOT typically does not allow electronic signs to be visible from the Interstate. An exception was made for Houlton’s sign on the basis that no commercial messages are displayed and that only town officials are allowed to post messages.
In the middle of the sign is the phrase “Welcome to Houlton Maine, worth a visit … worth a lifetime,” which was submitted by Krista Putnam of New Limerick as part of a contest to determine the motto. She won $50 for her effort.
The electronic portion of the sign is expected to be operational sometime this week, McLaughlin said. When completed, the sign will become the property of the town.