SYRACUSE -- The state is the winner in a 15-year dispute over the $500,000 electronic marquee built at the entrance to the New York state fairgrounds in 1992.

A state Court of Claims judge says the state did not breach its contract for the eight-story sign with Pixel International Network and owner Dennis Kruegler and the company's lawsuit should be dismissed.

Pixel built the sign to advertise other businesses and events. But the state determined offsite advertising could not be permitted under federal highway rules because of the proximity of the sign to Interstate 690.

The judge also noted that the state made concessions to try to make the project financially feasible for Pixel.

Kruegler's attorney says an appeal is likely.