ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY IS A SUCCESS

Truly a highway success story, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department's Adopt-A-Highway program is now in its 10th year. Through the program, more than 5,600 groups with an estimated 35,000 to 55,000 volunteers pick up trash, mow and provide landscaping along more than 10,000 miles of highways.

As motorists drive almost anywhere in the state, they pass the familiar signs announcing the various groups, businesses and individuals that have adopted stretches of highway. Those volunteers are responsible for picking up trash at least four times a year. Some groups actually earn a little cash by selling discarded aluminum containers to recyclers.

Mostly, however, the program has raised the awareness of thousands of Missourians about the problem of highway littering. Anyone who has been part of a volunteer group to pick up trash along a highway -- and watched as passing motorists tossed more trash as they passed -- isn't likely to litter or allow littering from any car when they are behind the wheel.

Even after 10 years, the program's reputation and appeal continue to grow. In Southeast Missouri's District 10 of the highway department, for example, there is a waiting list of volunteers to adopt a highway.

Thanks. All of you deserve the gratitude of Missourians who take pride in this beautiful state.