Kansas highway adoption program celebrates 25 years

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) marked the 25th anniversary of its Adopt-A-Highway program on Tuesday.

Local groups and organizations would participate and dedicate time to clearing the state's highways of litter and debris. According to the announcement, thousands of groups and organizations have participated since the program's inception in 1990, with many of the original groups taking part regularly.

“It gives ownership to our citizens that they can do something for their community,” Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Director Leland Jackson said. The church has been a regular participant along U.S. Highway 50. When they began their work on the highway, members would take up to 40 bags of garbage. Now they collect roughly 15 bags on an outing.

“Picking up trash isn’t an easy job, but it’s imperative to help our environment and raise awareness of the negative effects of pollution,” KDOT Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Dale Kirmer said. “It also helps our KDOT field crews and allows them to focus on maintenance efforts.”

KDOT welcomes the participation of all nonprofit groups that do not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, gender or religious beliefs. Those interested in joining are encouraged to contact their local KDOT office.