Adopt a Highway volunteers spring into action;
MnDOT applauds their efforts
ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Now that spring has arrived, thousands of
Adopt a Highway volunteers across Minnesota are helping to beautify
roadsides and save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars
in litter removal costs.
National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 and the Minnesota Department
of Transportation wants to thank its many volunteers for making
a difference in their communities.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation extends its thanks
to the dedicated volunteers and their organizations who participate
in the Adopt a Highway program," said Bob Busch, MnDOT District
3 Engineer. "Their collective efforts benefit our state by
keeping our roadsides attractive and giving visitors a positive
impression as they travel our highways."
In central Minnesota, there are approximately 703 active community
organizations cleaning along side state highways throughout Aitkin,
Benton, Cass, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Morrison, Sherburne,
Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright counties.
Adopt a Highway community organizations agree to:
Adopt a state highway for a minimum of two years
Select a segment of highway approximately two
miles in length
Pick up litter as often as needed, spring through
fall, usually two to three times a year
Remove roadside debris on both sides of a highway
Notify MnDOT after every pickup
To ensure the volunteer's safety, the Federal Highway Administration
has a new safety standard requiring a high visibility ANSI Class
2 safety garment for all workers performing tasks on highway rights
of way. All participants must wear the new safety vest; previous
orange vests are being replaced by MnDOT. In addition, MnDOT
provides safety training and trash bags.
MnDOT maintenance staff will pick up filled trash bags from the
roadsides and remove large, heavy or hazardous items. For safety
reasons, volunteers do not pick up hazardous materials and are
instructed to report the location of these items to the nearest
MnDOT office. Volunteer groups are encouraged to recycle any
materials they find.
MnDOT asks motorists to drive with extra caution and care when
coming upon volunteers picking up roadside debris.
To participate in the MnDOT's Adopt a Highway program, log on
to http://www.dot.state.mn.us/adopt
or call a MnDOT district office. In central Minnesota, there
are offices in Baxter at 218/828-5700 or toll free at 800/657-3971
and ask for Mary
Nieken. In St. Cloud area, call 320/223-6500 or toll free
800/657-3961 and speak to Cindy
Senger.
