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NCDOT ANNOUNCES FALL LITTER SWEEP

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation is preparing for its 2008 Fall Litter Sweep, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Oct. 4. During the statewide litter sweep, NCDOT maintenance crews will work with Adopt-A-Highway groups, N.C. Department of Correction inmate squads, community service workers and other volunteers to remove roadside litter.    “The spirit of community service and environmental enhancement is exemplified through Litter Sweep,” Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett said. “I commend each participant for their hard work in the litter removal process, making our roads cleaner and safer for pedestrians and motorists.” NCDOT’s Office of Beautification Programs administers Litter Sweep and provides cleanup information to Adopt-A-Highway groups, garden clubs, civic groups and other community organizations prior to the two-week cleanup. Anyone who wants to participate is asked to contact their local NCDOT county maintenance office in advance for supplies such as safety vests, gloves and orange trash bags.  The N.C. State Highway Patrol will also be on alert and policing the roadways for those who litter during the sweep or have unsecured loads. Littering is illegal and, upon conviction, offenders can be fined up to $2,000 plus 24 hours of community service work and one point on their driver license.  Participants are reminded to warm up before picking up litter, drink plenty of water during the cleanup and follow safety guidelines. Motorists can also participate in Litter Sweep by disposing of trash in garbage containers and properly securing or covering loads on vehicles and trailers. Citizens are also reminded that cigarette butts discarded onto public roadways and sidewalks are considered litter and contribute to stormwater pollution.   Another Litter Sweep is held in the spring. For more information on Litter Sweep, visit www.ncdot.org/~beautification/littersweep or call 1-800-331-5864. For a list of NCDOT county maintenance office contact information, go to www.ncdot.org and click on “news” then “NCDOT Announces Fall Litter Sweep.”

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