News release from INDOT:
Annual Trash Bash Program Huge Success
More than 1,450 miles were cleaned during April(May 28, 2014) – Thanks to the effort of thousands of volunteers, Department of Correction offenders and Department of Transportation employees, motorists traveling through the Hoosier state will see cleaner roadsides this summer.
Since 1997, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has coordinated with Adopt-A-Highway volunteers and the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) to “spring clean” Indiana highways during Trash Bash. Each year, hundreds of tons of trash are collected – sprucing up Hoosier roadways just in time for nice weather.
“This annual cleanup effort gives the offenders an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and give back in a big way. Once again our work crews stepped up to the challenge and surpassed our hopes for this year’s campaign. We are thankful to INDOT for continuing to partner with us for this important public service,” stated IDOC Commissioner Bruce Lemmon.
State-wide this year more than 9,300 cubic yards of debris and 16,500 bags of trash were collected from alongside 1,480 miles of Indiana’s roadways. Adopt-A-Highway groups played a significant role in this year’s success by volunteering a record number 10,200 hours!
“It was great to see participation from so many Adopt-A-Highway groups in this year’s Trash Bash program,” said INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning. “Many groups have participated annually but we are especially grateful for the new Adopt-A-Highway groups who want to help make a difference in our great state.”
INDOT also offers Sponsor-A-Highway opportunities on Indianapolis area interstate highways. Sponsors hire an approved vendor to provide litter control in the name of the sponsors. Sponsors benefit by having their name or logo advertised on an acknowledgement sign. For more information on the INDOT Sponsor-A-Highway program, go to https://www.in.gov/indot/2597.htm.
INDOT encourages all Hoosiers to keep Indiana’s highways clean by following some simple tips:
- Don’t litter: Set a good example for everyone, especially children.
- Be responsible: Carry a trash bag in your car instead of tossing litter out the window.
- Report it: Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage to your local transportation, public works or conservation office.
- Adopt it: To find out how your group can become involved in helping beautify an area near you by participating in Adopt-A-Highway, Sponsor-A-Highway or other highway beautification efforts please contact INDOT Customer Service for East Central Indiana at 1-855-463-6848.
For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot.
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