3M Sign Grant Program

3M is pleased to announce the availability of a new grant program to help U.S. government agencies replace underperforming traffic signs. Agencies working toward FHWA Minimum Retroreflectivity Ruling compliance, or those looking to upgrade signs as part of safety and other roadway infrastructure improvements programs, can apply for a grant to significantly lower the cost of purchasing higher performance prismatic reflective sheeting from 3M.

Fifteen years ago the Congress of the United States acknowledged the importance of nighttime visibility of road signs and markings as important safety tools. The FHWA's ruling on minimum levels of retroreflectivity for traffic signs went into effect on January 22, 2008. Agencies have:

• Four years to implement and continue using an assessment or management method to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels.
• Seven years for replacement of regulatory, warning and groundmounted signs (except street name signs) that fail to meet the established minimum levels.
• Ten years for replacement of street name signs and overhead guide signs that fail to meet the established minimum levels.

The 3M Sign Grant Program offers significant savings to agencies working toward compliance. All agencies currently using ASTM Type I or II sheeting are eligible for a one-time grant for sign upgrades to 3M prismatic sheeting. Grants must be redeemed within 90 days through 3M for roll goods, or through a sign fabricator for finished signs.