Several cities across the state are urging the governor to veto a bill that would allow the clear-cutting of trees around billboards. They say the bill would hinder beautification efforts and put millions of taxpayer dollars to waste.

The mayor of Columbus Teresa Tomlinson personally delivered a letter to the governor urging him to veto the billboard legislation.

She says the city has been planting trees for the past 25 years on state right of way property and that would be a waste of work if the measure becomes law.

"In order to clearcut for viewing of the billboard they will cut down trees that were planted purposefully as part of gateway or beautification projects and we feel that’s destroying tax payer investment for the benefit of private interest," says Tomlinson.

A handful of other cities including Athens and various towns in metro-Atlanta are also asking the governor to block the bill.

Governor Nathan Deal hasn't indicated his stance on the measure.

Tags: trees, veto, billboards, Columbus Teresa Tomlinson