Last Adopt-A-Highway pickup of year begins Saturday
Contact: Jon Ogar, MDOT Office of Communications,ogarj1@michigan.gov
517-373-2752Agency: Transportation
September 16, 2013 -- The last Adopt-A-Highway pickup of the year begins Saturday and runs through Sept. 29. Volunteers in the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) program have been picking up litter along state highways since 1990.
There are three scheduled Adopt-A-Highway pickups every year: one each in the spring, summer and fall. In 2012, Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups reported collecting about 65,000 bags of trash, a cost benefit to the state of $5.6 million.
"Adopt-A-Highway volunteers across the state are to be commended for another year of helping to keep Michigan roadsides beautiful," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Their service is greatly appreciated during a time when budgets are tight because transportation revenues aren't keeping up with transportation needs."
Motorists should keep an eye out for Adopt-A-Highway crews clad in high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests. MDOT provides the vests and trash bags for free, and arranges to haul away the trash.
Approximately 3,000 volunteer groups are in Michigan's Adopt-A-Highway program, covering about 7,200 miles of state highway. Volunteers include members of various civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old, and each group must number at least three people.
Sections of highway are still available for adoption. Groups are asked to adopt a highway section for at least two years, with the group's name posted on signs along the adopted highway. There is no cost to participate. Interested groups should check the MDOT Web page at www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway for more information.
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