SAN FRANCISCO -- A sponsorship plan for the Golden Gate Bridge that would allow companies to affix logos to signs, kiosks and other areas around the iconic span will go forward for a vote by the bridge's full board of directors, a committee decided Friday.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which operates the bridge and bus and ferry services, expects to raise $4 million a year from the program for repairs and maintenance such as painting the cables and towers.

Ads won't be allowed on the bridge or toll booths, but will be permitted in the visitor area. Companies will be allowed to associate themselves with the bridge in their own advertising and will help pay for specific projects, such as the $30 million restoration of the main cable.

A panel of bridge officials voted unanimously Friday to send the proposal to the full board of directors for a vote on Sept. 28.

Some board members have objected to the proposal, saying it's a bad idea to turn the bridge into an advertising vehicle. Other directors have argued the money is necessary to preserve the bridge and reduce a persistent budget deficit.