Vineyard approved for Hunterdon County’s first tourist signage through NJ Department of Transportation’s tourist oriented directional signs program
ALEXANDRIA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners recently approved its first sign application under the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) Tourist Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) program for Beneduce Vineyards in Alexandria Township.
The TODS program is intended to enhance motorist safety by identifying places that may interest tourists and providing directions to them. Each facility must receive more than 50 percent of its customers or more than 50 percent of its annual sales from outside the immediate area.
Commissioner Soloway, liaison to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said, “Implementing the TODS Program goes back to my time in municipal government, and I am pleased that Hunterdon County has moved forward with its first sign approval under this program. The approval of the Beneduce Vineyards wayfinding sign is another step forward in the County’s efforts to showcase our Agri-tourism industry.”
Applications under the TODS program require approval of the property owner, municipality, and county prior to advancing to implementation.
Commissioner Jeff Kuhl who is also a liaison to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said, “This new wayfinding signage will help patrons more easily find Beneduce Vineyards and help to showcase another great Hunterdon County agri-tourism business.”
According to the USDA, agritourism has the potential to revitalize rural economies, teach local residents and tourists about agriculture, and helps to preserve agricultural heritage.
“Participation requirements are very targeted, and eligible properties must meet all participation requirements. Upon installation, upkeep of the TODS approved signage is handled by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Commissioner,” Soloway said.
The program has been available to businesses since 1996 and some of the known benefits of participation in the TODS program for local agriculture-based businesses include direct marketing, attracting new business and business growth and increased profits.
Mike Beneduce, owner of Beneduce Vineyards thanked the Commissioner Board and Economic Development Director Marc Saluk for the ongoing collaboration and support.
