Taxpayers on hook for $60K for AC sign

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- A state transit agency's decision to remove and then quickly replace a sign welcoming travelers to Atlantic City will cost taxpayers more than $60,000.

The Press of Atlantic City reports that documents from the South Jersey Transportation Authority show that the agency spent at least $61,849 for work to remove the landmark sign and then replace it after the state's transportation commissioner ordered it restored.

That breakdown includes money for labor, equipment and materials, but not overtime costs.

Dozens of workers took the sign down over two days in May after it was discovered that it didn't have proper permits. Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox cited its iconic nature and ordered it restored in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

The landmark sign is used for marketing.

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