Adopt-A-Highway Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

 

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today proclaimed October 11-17 as “Show Your Pride - Adopt-A-Highway” week in Tennessee to recognize the hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers who work each year to keep litter off state roadways. The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program turns 20 on October 11. Originally established on October 11, 1989, volunteers with the program have logged thousands of hours working to keep Tennessee litter free.

 

“The volunteers of the Adopt-A-Highway Program are essential partners in protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Tennessee and deserve our thanks and recognition for their commitment and sense of community,” said Governor Bredesen. “I hope that in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the program, even more Tennesseans will volunteer and take an active role in keeping our state beautiful.”

 

The Adopt-A-Highway Program allows Tennesseans to volunteer from a business, civic group, service organization, community club, church group, environmentally-conscious group, as an individual or an entire family to help keep Tennessee roadways litter free. Volunteers “adopt” a two-mile stretch of a state route and commit to conducting four litter pick-up events during the course of one year.

 

“Each year, the state of Tennessee spends more than $11 million on litter clean-up and prevention,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “In this tough economic time, our Adopt-A-Highway volunteers not only contribute time and energy conducting litter pick-up events, they are also helping reduce state maintenance costs associated with litter clean-up.”

 

Governor Bredesen’s proclamation encourages all citizens to celebrate the twenty year anniversary of the program by becoming a volunteer of the Adopt-A-Highway Program today. A copy of the resolution is attached to this release. To volunteer for the Adopt-A-Highway Program, go to www.tn.gov/tdot/environment/beautification/adopt-a-highway.htm or contact TDOT’s Beautification Office at 615-741-6896 for more information.

 

Several current Adopt-A-Highway groups are planning pick-up events to highlight Adopt-A-Highway week. A list of those agencies and their events is included below: