MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Just as winter begins to loosen its grip in Wisconsin, the state's unique ban on heated sidewalks is no more.

Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill Wednesday that abolishes a state law prohibiting heated sidewalks, stairs, entrance ways and pedestrian walkways.

Wisconsin's law, the only one in effect in the country, passed in 1980 as a response to the energy crisis of the 1970s.

Supporters of overturning the ban said that with better technology and the prospect of using less salt and saving money on snow removal, there was no reason for it to continue.

But it was too late to help this winter.

Nearly all of the record-breaking 100-plus inches of snow that fell in Madison has already melted.