Groups can help keep Kansas highways clean

Newton Kansan

Posted Mar 24, 2009 @ 11:00 AM

TOPEKA —

It’s unsightly and it’s unsafe. Litter along the highways throughout the state has a negative impact on everyone, both residents and visitors to Kansas. Participating in the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Adopt-A-Highway program can have a positive impact on helping to keep the highways clean. With nearly 10,000 miles of highways in Kansas, new groups can always join. There are currently about 800 groups participating in the program. Some of the urban stretches of roadway are open to adopt, and numerous sections in the rural areas are available as well. Groups are asked to sign a two-year agreement with the program, and several groups have been with the program since it started in Kansas in 1990. Other groups that have previously participated in the program are now rejoining and getting involved in the program again. Groups clean their sections of roadway three times a year at their convenience. Most choose to schedule a clean-up time in the spring, summer and fall. A lot of groups combine the work with play – after they clean the roadway, they schedule an activity such as a picnic or a softball game. Adopt-A-Highway groups are gearing up for the annual Clean Up Kansas Campaign which will take place during the month of April. All Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged but not required to participate in the statewide event. Motorists are asked to use extra caution as people with bright orange vests will be working next to the highways. Any non-profit group that does not discriminate upon the basis of race, religion or sex can adopt a section of roadway. Youth groups with members at least 11 years old are also eligible. KDOT provides each group safety training, trash bags, orange vests and signs for their adopted stretch of highway. For more information, contact the KDOT office in your area. ### To adopt a section of highway, KDOT phone numbers listed below (Ask for the Adopt-A-Highway coordinator in the KDOT office located closest to you.) Northeast Kansas

Topeka, (785) 296-2291

Horton, (785) 486-2142

Osage City, (785) 528-3128

Wamego, (785) 456-2353

Kansas City Area -

Bonner Springs, (913) 721-2960

Olathe, (913) 764-0987

North Central Kansas

Salina, (785) 823-3754

Clay Center, (785) 632-3108

Mankato, (785) 378-3166

Marion, (620) 382-3717