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Adopt-A-Highway
Learn
more about Adopt-A-Highway:
• Program
Rules
• Litter
Facts
Roadsides are a visitor’s
introduction to a community, and first impressions can be lasting.
Travelers’ opinions of West Virginia are often based on what they
observe as he drives along our highways. Tourism has become
increasingly important during the last decade and will continue to
play a significant role in economic development. Therefore, it is
more important than ever that residents uncover the beauty of West
Virginia by removing unsightly litter that tarnishes the state’s
image, so that residents and visitors alike may enjoy its natural
uncontaminated charm.
The Adopt-A-Highway Program is co-sponsored by the divisions of
Highways and Natural Resources. It was established in the late 1980s
to improve the quality of the state’s environment by encouraging
public involvement in the elimination of highway litter. Its
objective is to save taxpayer money by increasing public awareness
and to serve as an educational tool by focusing on the consequences
of littering. The program offers volunteers the opportunity to take
charge of their own environment by making a positive effort to
create a cleaner, more aesthetic place in which to live.
Adopting
a Highway
Individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools, civic
organizations, government agencies, scouting groups, fraternities
and communities are among the thousands who current Adopt-A-Highway
participants. Anyone who are at least 12 years old may participate.
Any road that is maintained by the Division of Highways is eligible
for adoption, with the exception of Interstates and roads deemed
unsafe. Volunteers may select a road to adopt and then have it
approved by the local Division of Highway office, or they may ask
DOH to suggest an adoptable road. Country lanes, dirt roads and
routes off the beaten path, as well as major routes, may be adopted.
Adopted roads must be at least two miles long. An automobile
odometer may be used to measure the distance. The length of the
adopted road should be considered carefully, since it is better to
adopt two miles and enjoy the project than to adopt a longer stretch
that may later become a burden.
Adoptions are for a period of two years, during which time three
cleanups are required per year. As volunteers pick up litter, bags
that have been filled are placed on roadsides for removal and
disposal by the Division of Highways. Garbage bags, safety vests,
safety training, traffic warning signs and plastic gloves are
furnished by the state.
Adopted highways are identified by a sign at each end of the section
bearing the Adopt-A-Highway logo and the name of the adoptee.
Volunteers who complete six required litter pickups within the
two-year contract period are awarded a certificate of accomplishment
signed by the governor.
In West Virginia there are currently 30,000 volunteers who regularly
pick up litter on 4,000 miles of highway. They have been responsible
for removing more than 20 million pounds of litter since the program
began. You, too, can be a special person by taking responsibility
for your environment and adopting a highway.
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