More than three million pounds of litter removed, nearly $25M in labor saved
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho’s roadsides are indebted to Idaho’s Centennial Celebration in 1990 and the “Idaho is Too Great to Litter” campaign that was rolled out to help keep them clean.
During its 33 years, the Adopt-A-Highway program has accounted for thousands of tons of trash picked up from Idaho’s roadsides, amounting to millions of dollars in savings redirected to highway construction and needed maintenance to improve Gem State roads and bridges. Volunteer groups “adopt” a specific stretch of highway – usually two miles long – and take responsibility for keeping it clean through regular litter patrols throughout the year.
ITD estimates the Adopt-A-Highway program saves about $750,000 annually by using volunteer labor – in 33 years, that adds up to about $24.8M. More than 3.3 million lbs. of trash and debris have been removed from Idaho’s roadsides through the program, including the trash pick-up efforts of inmate crews through the Department of Corrections.
There are more than 1,000 active volunteer groups participating in the statewide program. More than half of Idaho’s highways have been adopted. There are still many opportunities for other groups and individuals to get involved. Almost a third of the roadsides on the state’s highway system are available for adoption.
For more information about the Adopt-a-Highway program or to get involved, contact the area coordinator, listed below:
District 1: Julie Roseborough 600 W Prairie Dr Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
Phone: 208-772-1240 julie.roseborough@itd.idaho.gov
Counties: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone
District 2: Judi Conner, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707
Phone: 208 334-8094 judi.conner@itd.idaho.gov
Counties: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce
District 3: Jenn Ford PO Box 8028 Boise, ID 83707-2028
Phone: 208-334-8350 jennifer.ford@itd.idaho.gov
Counties: Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington
District 4: Wendy Robinson 216 S. Date St. Shoshone, ID 83352
Phone: 208-886-7800 wendy.robinson@itd.idaho.gov
Counties: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls
District 5: Judi Conner, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707
Phone: 208 334-8094 judi.conner@itd.idaho.gov
Counties: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power.
District 6: Erika Tucker 206 N Yellowstone Highway Rigby, Id 83442
Phone: 208-745-5612 erika.tucker@itd.idaho.gov
Counties: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Freemont, Custer, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton
