We all know that trash and litter on our roads and highways is an eyesore, but less obvious are the costs involved. Reporter Mike Lipsitz pulls out his trash bag…
The California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, has maintenance crews clearing litter and other debris from our state highways year-round. Last year, the cost of such an effort was nearly $70 million. That figure would be even higher were it not for help from Caltrans partnerships such as the Parolee Work Crew Program, and a newly-formed Caltrans Veterans Outreach Program. The Adopt-A-Highway Program remains the most successful partnership. Its success can be seen locally along a two mile stretch of Highway 62 between Sunfair and White Feather Road in Joshua Tree. The section has been maintained by the Morongo Basin Conservation Association for years, but there remain many miles of local roads that are unattended. Motorists are reminded to dispose of litter properly and secure loads before traveling.
More information on the Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway Program is available here: http://www.dot.ca.gov/maintenance/adopt-a-highway/index.html
