TDOT resumes Adopt-A-Highway clean up efforts
Adopt A Highway is a 30 year old Tennessee Department of Transportation program.
This program is one way the department keeps Tennessee highways clean and litter free.
“Our Adopt-A-Highway program is about 30 years old and it is a vital part of what TDOT does in helping clean up the highways along our state roads", says TDOT Region 4 Communications Officer, Nichole Lawrence.
Over 550 miles of Tennessee highways are adopted by volunteers.
Earlier this year TDOT decided to pause the program to figure out ways for volunteers to continue to clean but in a safe way.
Now they have a few changes to keep everyone safe.
“It’s wearing a mask, we are getting individual vests for these people to wear. So they can take those vests with them. And when they come back and volunteer again they already have their vest", says Lawrence.
The Nu Iota Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated adopted a highway about six years ago in Bolivar, Tennessee.
Members say they took on the responsibility to make sure their community stays clean.
“You know you want your town to look well and be well maintained, so that visitors will want to come back and visit, tourists will come through", says member of the Nu Iota Sigma chapter, Clint Higgs.
Although TDOT is now limiting the number of volunteers at one time members of the fraternity say this will still give members a chance to bond and give back.
Member, Willie Parks adds, “it’s all about the fellowship and getting together and we have fun doing it, cleaning up the highway.”
To volunteer or to adopt a highway visit the TDOT website.
Imani Williams for 39 News, in Jackson.
