Gwen Rummell Reporting –
As the weather shifts more toward summer, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is asking the public to “adopt a highway.”
ODOT maintains almost 50,000 lane miles of state highway and 80,000 acres of right-of-way. The Adopt-A-Highway program is one way they control litter alongside the roadways.
District 11 Public Information Officer Lauren Borell says, along with warm weather, the summer also yields higher amounts of trash.
“Please use designated trash receptacles at the gas stations or at home. Litter is a big problem throughout the state of Ohio and we need everybody to do their part and we are fortunate for our adopt-a-highway program participants to help us out with this initiative.”
Businesses, organizations, and individuals all can participate in the program for free adds Borell.
“It’s a very simple process to sign up, and with that, ODOT provides the bags and grabbers as well as provides the safety training and vests for those individuals that are interested in it.”
Adopt-A-Highway volunteers pick up an average of 25,000 bags of litter each year, saving taxpayers $280,000, according to ODOT’s website. These volunteers are recognized on blue roadway signs. Family members can also adopt a section of roadway or interchange in memory of a passed individual or in honor of a living person.
To learn more about the requirements in adopting a highway, contact Adopt-A-Highway District 11 Coordinator Lindzee Hoffman at 330-308-3939.
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