The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is seeking volunteers for the state’s Adopt a Highway program.
Of the 5,455 segments of road defined for the program, 1,719 are available for adoption statewide. Only nine, however, are available in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. The average segment is two to three miles.
“Volunteers pick up litter, keep the roadways beautiful and save taxpayers money,” Ann McLellan, statewide Adopt a Highway manager, said. “When our volunteers are out cleaning the roadway ditches, MnDOT crews use their time to build and maintain our highways. It’s a win-win for all and it shows that Minnesotans care about their state.”
Organizations and individuals are required to commit least two years and must pick up litter on both sides of the road at least twice annually.
MnDOT will provide training, safety vests and trash bags. MnDOT also picks up the filled bags.
In 2017, the program generated an estimated $6 million in savings and removed 112,000 pounds of litter.
Volunteers include individuals, families, businesses, schools, and faith-based organizations. MnDOT posts the names of the volunteer groups on signs along their adopted segments of road.
Adopt a Highway began in 1990 and is a program in 22 states nationwide.