CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) held a celebration event Friday to recognize the efforts of Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups in Elk and McKean counties.
The event was held at the Rails to Trails trailhead located on Peterson Street in Mount Jewett.
“A lot of time, effort, and money can go toward litter clean-up.” said PennDOT District Executive Tom Zurat. “Our Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups provide a priceless service through their efforts and we greatly appreciate their assistance.”
Adopt-A-Highway volunteers beautify roadsides two miles at a time. Each two-mile stretch includes the main line, right-of-way, interchange areas, and traffic islands.
Volunteer groups sign a two-year agreement to pick up litter at least two times a year. In return, PennDOT posts recognition signs along the adopted roadway giving groups full credit for their efforts. Participants must be 8 years of age or older.
“The Adopt-A-Highway program is healthy and active thanks to our many volunteer groups,” said Susan Skowyra, PennDOT maintenance manager for Elk and McKean counties. “With more than 120 groups across the two counties, we are having a significant, positive impact on the amount of litter across state routes. These volunteer efforts also help us stretch funding further. We are thrilled to note their achievements at today’s event.”
When groups perform highway clean-up, PennDOT provides gloves, trash bags, and safety vests. PennDOT also places signs to alert drivers of the clean-up crew’s presence. These signs remind drivers to slow down and be cautious — and they increase the safety factor for volunteers and drivers.
Once clean-up is complete, crews leave bagged litter on the side of the road, and PennDOT takes care of the disposal.
District 2 PennDOT serves nine counties: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter. Any group interested in volunteering in one of these counties can contact Cassie Morey at 814-274-9181 extension 103 or by email at cmorey@pa.gov.
Learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program on PennDOT’s website, penndot.gov, by clicking on Roadside Beautification at the bottom of the homepage.
