Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange has been participating in the county’s Adopt-A-Highway program since 2013. He has two stretches of county roads that he cleans up regularly throughout the year. He maintains County Road 8 (Wellsburg-Lowman Crossover) in Ashland and County Road 60 which runs parallel to I86 in both the Towns of Elmira and Ashland.
“I am very much into keeping our roadsides clean and free of litter,” Strange said. “It makes a huge difference in the appearance of our roadways when they are cleaned up and don’t have trash scattered about. The Adopt-A-Highway program is one way groups and organizations can make a real difference in our county.”
Learn more about this important program below:
Chemung County Adopt-A-Highway
Is your organization interested in the Adopt-A-Highway program?
For questions about this program or to have a representative speak to your organization contact:Chemung County CCE at 734-4453.
Why Adopt?
Chemung County can use your help keeping our local roads and highways litter free. Getting involved in the Adopt-A-Highway program is your organization’s way of showing that you believe in protecting your local environment.
It’s easy! All Adopt-A-Highway program participants receive a two mile stretch of roadway that must be cleaned up bi-annually. In recognition of your participation, Chemung County will construct a sign designating your chosen cleanup location. To ensure safety, Chemung County will also provide hard hats, safety vests, garbage bags, garbage pickup and disposal, as well as the appropriate roadway clean-up training.
Who can adopt?
Any local business or organization may adopt a highway. Chemung County welcomes civic, fraternal, services, youth (all participants must be 10 years of age or over), senior citizen, scout, school, church, synagogue and neighborhood organizations.
How can my organization get started?
In conjunction with the Department of Public Works (DPW) your organization will choose a two mile stretch of county roadway to adopt for two or four years. Each group member will sign terms and conditions.
How does it work?
Your organization, along with the Chemung County DPW will choose a two-mile stretch of county roadway. 72 hours prior to conducting a clean up, you must contact CCE. No more than 24 hours after the clean up, your organization must contact CCE with the number of garbage bags to be collected for disposal. All organizations participating in Chemung County’s Adopt-A-Highway program must sign an agreement with the county and review the county’s “safety tips”. The clean up must be conducted during day light hours and should be scheduled during low volume traffic periods. Work areas are limited to the grassy area between the outer shoulder/curb and the right of way boundary. No median clean up.