by The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is calling on volunteers to join the Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program in Northwest Pennsylvania.
This initiative aims to clean up litter from state-owned roadsides, ensuring the beauty of the state as summer approaches.
What Happened
With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer in Pennsylvania, PennDOT is once again appealing to the public for help in reducing roadside litter.
Cheryl Wimer, the AAH coordinator for PennDOT’s northwest region, emphasized the importance of keeping state highways clean during this busy travel period.
Key Details
Volunteers in the Adopt-A-Highway program are responsible for collecting litter along a two-mile stretch of roadway at least twice a year. In 2024, over 23,000 volunteers collected more than 39,000 bags of trash from state roadways, contributing to a cleaner environment for all.
The following is a breakdown of the Adopt-A-Highway program in PennDOT’s northwest region:
| County | Groups | Miles Adopted | Miles Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crawford | 70 | 151 | 809 |
| Erie | 144 | 282 | 648 |
| Forest | 63 | 151 | 51 |
| Mercer | 68 | 268 | 567 |
| Venango | 55 | 132 | 437 |
| Warren | 121 | 282 | 267 |
| Districtwide | 521 | 1,266 | 2,779 |
Reactions or Statements
Cheryl Wimer encourages residents and local groups to get involved, saying, “We are once again appealing to the public to help us keep our state beautiful by disposing of garbage in the proper manner and assisting with cleanups through Adopt-a-Highway.”
Investigation or What’s Next
Volunteers can sign up through PennDOT’s website. The state continues to monitor the effectiveness of the program, ensuring roadside litter reduction and a cleaner environment.
Efforts are expected to ramp up in anticipation of increased travel during the summer months.
FAQs
1. How can I volunteer for the Adopt-A-Highway program?
You can sign up and get more information on PennDOT’s official website.
2. How often do volunteers need to clean the roadways?
Volunteers are required to clean their designated stretch of roadway at least twice a year.
3. What is the goal of the Adopt-A-Highway program?
The program aims to keep Pennsylvania’s state-owned roadsides clean by involving local volunteers in litter collection efforts.
4. How much litter was collected in 2024?
In 2024, over 23,000 volunteers collected more than 39,000 bags of trash from Pennsylvania roadways.
5. Are there areas that still need volunteers?
=Yes, there are miles of roads still available for adoption, especially in counties like Crawford and Mercer.
Summary / Final Takeaway
PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program continues to play a crucial role in keeping Pennsylvania’s roadsides clean. With summer travel on the horizon, PennDOT is calling on more volunteers to participate and help ensure that the state’s natural beauty is preserved.
