County wants people to ‘Adopt-A-Road’ to help with litter control
Just like the state’s “Adopt-A-Highway” program, Anderson County has kicked off a campaign to get individuals, businesses or organizations to “Adopt-A-Road” that they will take charge of to keep it free of litter.
Launched earlier this month, the county’s Adopt-A-Road program is looking for volunteers to sign up for sections of road they can spend time cleaning up, with the possibility of getting two signs put up with their names as sponsors of the specific area.
Coordinated by Leean Tupper, administrative assistant to Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, the program is paid for through Department of Transportation Litter Grant funding from the state.
It allows those who complete the required application and other paperwork and have been authorized by the county to choose a section of road to maintain litter-free, the county said in an announcement.
Approved volunteers will be provided litter “grabbers,” trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and high-visibility T-shirts for use while picking up trash along approved county roads.
“Pickup of bagged and collected litter by county crews must be scheduled in advance of a litter pick-up event, or volunteers agree to drop off collected litter at a county convenience center during regular operating hours,” the county’s announcement says.
“COVID-19 has had a huge impact on us in many ways, including the amount of litter we see as we drive our local roadways,” Tupper said in the announcement. “The mayor and I were inspired earlier this year to implement something that can allow our citizens to take a more-active role in litter prevention and education after a local citizen, Christopher Hammond, contacted us with the idea of having a county Adopt-A-Road program.”
Mayor Frank endorsed the idea.
“We have a lot of people in the community who have partnered with us on litter pickup over the years, and we can’t thank them enough,” Frank said. “I want to thank County Commission and especially Anderson County citizen Christopher Hammond for reaching out to his elected officials to share a great idea.
“Mr. Hammond, who volunteers himself by regularly picking up litter on Lonesome Dove Road and Lonesome Dove Creek, took the time to send pictures and information to his elected officials about a way to grow our community partnerships and inspire others. With the encouragement, support and authorization of County Commission, we are excited to now get this program up and running,” the mayor said.
