The state department of transportation is starting a new program that will allow businesses to get involved in cleaning up the litter along state highways. It’s called “Sponsor A Highway.” DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says local businesses can sponsor one-mile segments of a highway and the cost of that sponsorship will help pay for litter removal.
“In return, they get an acknowledgement sign on that route to let people know that this business is in the area and doing a good job doing good for the state by picking up litter,” Mallett said.
The “Sponsor a Highway” program will start in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, with the hopes of expanding the program later. Mallett says DOTD spends $13 million a year on litter removal efforts and this a chance for private dollars to go towards that effort.
“It will minimize the cost to the state and to the taxpayers while at the same time having folks out there to pick up litter in a certain area on a more regular basis,” Mallett explained.
Mallett says participating businesses will partner with Adopt A Highway Maintenance Corporation. He says AHMC will provide the professional litter removal services a minimum of six times a year.
“It’s a never-ending process. This way, we have somebody who will be picking up a certain area on a regular basis and we can have our crews concentrate on infrastructure improvements,” Mallett said.
For more information go to adoptahighway.com.
