The Sacramento Bee reports that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has resurrected an idea to convert overhead freeway message signs into electronic advertising billboards in his latest effort to patch California’s cash-strapped budget.

Under the plan, a billboard company would replace existing digital displays that show traffic updates and abduction-related Amber Alerts with sophisticated color screens that also show advertising. The state currently operates 708 electronic boards on highways.

The proposal faces significant hurdles, particularly obtaining a U.S. Department of Transportation waiver of federal highway regulations. The governor sees the plan as a way to generate revenue and improve the technology of the warning signs, but critics fear the new signs would distract drivers and lead to more accidents.

Go to the Sacramento Bee to see the entire article.