For Immediate Release:
Sept. 8, 2015
Contact: (573) 751-2420

Sen. Gina Walsh Encourages Area Residents to Participate in Missouri’s Adopt-A-Highway Program

JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, is encouraging residents of the 13th District to help keep Missouri’s roadsides litter-free by participating in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Adopt-A-Highway program. For almost 30 years, the Adopt-A-Highway program has brought together volunteers from all across the state to help make our roadsides cleaner and more attractive for residents and visitors.

“Participating in MoDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program is an easy way for residents to give back to their local communities, while actively working to enhance the natural beauty of the entire Show-Me State,” Sen. Walsh said. “I’m proud to say Missourians have already adopted more than 6,200 miles of roadway, performing about $1 million annually in litter cleanup and beautification efforts.”

There are currently more than 4,700 groups and 47,000 volunteers in the program, with adopter groups including commercial and private enterprises, civic and non-profit organizations, families and individuals. MoDOT spends approximately $6 million each year to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of right-of-way along 34,000 state highway miles. Every area kept free of litter by adopters allows MoDOT to devote resources to other much-needed tasks.

“For residents of the 13th District, I want to highlight that the directional ramps at the I-270 and Lindbergh interchange are available for adoption, as well as a number of other roadways in North St. Louis County,” said Sen. Walsh. “I encourage anyone who has been looking for an opportunity to give back to their community to contact the Adopt-A-Highway program for more information.”

Adopters have four options: clean up litter, mow, beautify through landscaping or plant native Missouri wildflowers and grasses. To join Missouri’s Adopt-A-Highway program, please call MoDOT’s toll-free number at 1-888-ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636) and ask for the program coordinator or email aah@modot.mo.gov. You may also check the online map for availability of open sections ready for adopting by clicking here.