Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential the actual price tag for hundreds of federally illegal state tourism signs erected along major state highways is $8.1 million, officials said Wed., Feb. 15. The previous cost estimates for the signage were just $1.76 million. State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll said during a joint legislative budget hearing on transportation in Albany that fabrication and material costs for 374 I Love NY signs were $3.1 million, and installation cost another $2.3 million. An additional 140 signs erected along the Thruway cost a total of $2.7 million, acting Thruway Authority Executive Director Bill Finch later told lawmakers. He said roughly $500,000 was spent on materials. State and federal officials are negotiating what comes next. Driscoll denied reports that the signs will be coming down soon. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.