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Adopt-A-Highway groups ready for northern Idaho sweep

Bright orange trash bags are popping up throughout northern Idaho as Adopt-A-Highway groups begin the fall clean up on the state's highways in five northern counties. 
 
There are 182 groups cleaning 329 miles of roadway on the state highway system in the five northern counties. The program, which began in 1990, saves Idaho taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The volunteers allow ITD to use its limited resources to efficiently maintain and operate the state's highways.
 
Groups and individuals who volunteer to adopt a two-mile stretch of highway agree to clean up litter twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. The transportation department provides signs, safety vests, trash bags and flags. In 2009, more than 1,900 participants spent approximately 4,000 hours picking up trash. That amounted to 3,461 sacks, or 120,645 pounds of litter. 
 
Anyone interested in becoming an Adopt-A-Highway volunteer can contact District Coordinator Diane Dubos at 208-772-1297.

Published 10-29-2010