Federal officials have told the government of Ames, Iowa, to repaint “inclusive” multicolored crosswalks because they breach regulations.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration sent a letter to Ames officials informing them that the multicolored crosswalks installed in parts of the city last month were “non-compliant.” Under DOT standards, crosswalks must be painted white without any sort of artwork around them.
Ames officials challenged the DOT, asserting that the federal government did not have jurisdiction over the crosswalks.
“The FHWA did not have a direct answer to this question, and it appears they are still researching whether they have any regulatory authority in this situation,” Ames city officials said. “These streets are not part of a federal highway and these streets receive no federal funding. With the system of federalism in the United States, the federal government does not have jurisdiction over everything.”
