ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY STATEWIDE LITTER PICK-UP DAY APRIL 12

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – The fifth annual spring statewide highway litter pick-up day will be held Saturday, April 12, 2003, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Adopt-A-Highway groups from around the state will be out picking up trash from Illinois roadways.

"During this long winter, the snow and slush has hidden unsightly litter on our roadsides," said Timothy W. Martin, Illinois Transportation Secretary. "Please be watchful of volunteer crews walking along the roadsides, not only on April 12, but throughout the year, as they provide this valuable community service."

Illinois’ Adopt-A-Highway program began in 1995, and today more than 1,000 volunteer groups collect 26,500 bags of trash each year from state highways. Even with this tremendous effort, Illinois still spends more than $12 million each year on litter pick up. More than 2,800 miles of Illinois highways have been adopted, but more than 12,000 miles are still eligible. Interstate highways are not eligible for adoption.

"We need your help to keep Illinois’ roadsides clean," Martin said. "Please consider adding your group of friends, neighbors, coworkers or club members to our list of volunteers who make a positive impact on the area where they live."

For additional information about the Adopt-A-Highway program, visit the Web site at http://www.dot.il.gov/aah.html or call 217-782-6953.

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