July 1, 2009 -- As many as 32,000 volunteers are expected to help keep Michigan highways clean of litter during the second of three annually designated Adopt-A-Highway pickup periods July 11-19.
"We want Michigan to look great during our summer months, and we couldn't accomplish this without help from our Adopt-A-Highway volunteers," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Their efforts save taxpayers $1.2 million a year."
Steudle also emphasized that motorists should use caution when they observe clean-up crews working on the roadside. "Please slow down and watch out for these people who are acting as good Samaritans while they clear trash. Their safety is our number one concern," he said.
This year, volunteers have switched to a more visible, bright yellow-green safety vest with reflective stripes, which is part of a nationwide safety initiative required by the Federal Highway Administration.
The statewide litter beautification program, now in its 19th season in Michigan, is supported by thousands of volunteers who pick up litter three times a year along 10,000 miles of state roadsides. The volunteers are expected to fill 20,000 bags of trash over the nine-day period. Current volunteers include members of civic organizations, churches, corporations, government employees and family members honoring a loved one.
There are many 2-mile sections of state highway still available for adoption. Groups of three or more people interested in adopting a section of highway are encouraged to contact the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), or visit www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway for more details, and to view a new video about the program. Simply contact your local MDOT coordinator (names and phone numbers are listed on the Web site).
The final 2009 pickup is scheduled for Sept. 12-20.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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