For Immediate Release          
Contact: Valerie Burnette Edgar/Kellie Boulware          
WANTED: VOLUNTEERS TO HELP STOP HIGHWAY ROBBERY          
Adopt-A-Highway Volunteers Thanked for Efforts to Rescue Roadways from Litter; SHA Recruits Citizens to Join Ranks of Maryland’s Elite Adopt -A-Highway Teams          
(April 30, 2007) – While winter weather has finally given way to warmer temperatures and sunny skies, the season-change has revealed a new Maryland foe – highway robbers! Litter bugs are robbing the State of its scenic beauty and the Chesapeake Bay of healthier water by dropping cigarette butts, bottles, cans, food wrappers and other trash along highways. Plus, litter bugs cost taxpayers millions in debris and litter removal by State Highway Administration (SHA) crews and contractors.          
Ideally, the millions of people who travel Maryland’s roads everyday would keep their trash and dispose of it when they get home. Unfortunately, too many view roadsides as their personal trash bins – despite facing a $1,000 fine and two points on their drivers’ license if caught.           
If you’re a law abiding citizen that doesn’t like our beautiful state trashed, SHA has an opportunity for you to take on the litterbugs – by adopting a roadway near you. Your group could join thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers that show pride in their communities by picking up litter along state roads. Each group receives two highway signs denoting the adoption.          
“No one admits to littering, but tons of roadside trash is clear evidence people are doing it,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “Our Adopt-A-Highway volunteers play a crucial role in our quest to keep Maryland beautiful – they are true environmental stewards of our great State. We all owe them our thanks.”          
To show appreciation to the more than 300 groups that have worked diligently to keep our roadways cleared of litter over the past few years, SHA created new highway recognition signs for active participants. Designed and manufactured by SHA, the 36” by 24” signs feature Black-eyed Susans, the Maryland’s state flower, and the group’s name. The new signs replace the 17-year-old orange, black and white Adopt-A-Highway signs. SHA will install the new signs this spring.           
While government has a leadership role in combating litter, SHA has several           
environmental stewardship initiatives in which citizens may participate:          
Adopt-A-Highway Program: SHA’s Adopt-A-Highway Program was founded in 1989 to allow community groups an opportunity to “Keep the Free State Litter-free.” Each group adopts one to three miles of a state road and commits to picking up litter four times a year for a two-year period. The groups are recognized with a highway sign. Attached is a list of SHA maintenance shops, which have adoptable miles available. Be sure to ask for the Local AAH Coordinator!          
Sponsor-A-Highway Program: Started as a pilot program in 2005, the Maryland Sponsor-A-Highway Program allows businesses to sponsor one-mile segments along Maryland freeways. Segments along US 29, I-495, I-95, MD 100 and I-97 are available for sponsorship. Corporations work with maintenance providers to establish contractual agreements for litter removal. In recognition of their sponsorship, they receive a sign along their sponsored route.           
Those interested in the Adopt/Sponsor-A-Highway Programs          
Should call 1-877-MAINTMD.          
Partnership Planting Program: SHA works with local community groups, garden clubs, and area governments to beautify sections of state highways. As part of the partnership, SHA works with them on planning, landscape design, and planting. Those interested in the Partnership Planting Program may call 1-800-446-5962.          
To learn more, go to SHA’s website at marylandroads.com. Remember, a cleaner Maryland is at your fingertips!           
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The SHA Maintenance Shop list is attached.          
SHA Maintenance Shops and Phone Numbers          
Allegany County 301-729-8433          
Anne Arundel County           
Annapolis 410-841-1009          
Glen Burnie 410-766-3770           
Baltimore County           
Golden Ring 410-574-4511           
Hereford 410-329-6752           
Owings Mills 410-363-1315           
Calvert County 410-535-1748           
Caroline County 410-479-0770           
Carroll County 410-876-2061           
Cecil County 410-398-1565           
Charles County 301-934-8031           
Dorchester County 410-288-4977          
Frederick County 301-624-8250           
Garrett County 301-895-3234           
Harford County 410-838-7788           
Howard County 410-531-5533           
Kent County 410-778-0818           
Montgomery County           
Gaithersburg Shop 301-948-2477          
Fairland Shop 301-572-5166          
Prince George's County           
Laurel 301-776-7619           
Marlboro 301-952-0555           
Queen Anne's County 410-758-0700           
St. Mary's County 301-475-8035           
Somerset County 410-651-0317           
Talbot County 410-822-3525           
Washington County 301-791-4790           
Wicomico County 410-677-4054          
Worcester County 410-632-0511