Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is intensifying its litter removal initiatives during Love the Boot week, a key event in its statewide efforts. In collaboration with Keep Louisiana Beautiful and various statewide partners, the DOTD staff will be clearing litter from April 5 to April 13. Despite the focus during this week, DOTD's efforts to maintain clean roadways continue throughout the year. In fiscal year 2024, the department allocated approximately $13.6 million to these initiatives, successfully clearing more than 18 Olympic swimming pools worth of litter.

"DOTD spends more than $13 million annually removing other people’s trash from state roadways," expressed DOTD Assistant Secretary of Operations Todd Donmyer, highlighting the potential of these funds to repave over 100 miles of state roadways. He added, "Because litter is 100 percent preventable, it’s very frustrating to spend time and money picking up litter in a particular location and have litter quickly regenerate in the same location."

The state's legislature provided an additional $3 million in funding, allowing DOTD to retain a contractor for litter removal on heavily trafficked routes. This initiative began before the Super Bowl in the New Orleans area, successfully removing nearly 900 cubic yards of litter. Residents can expect enhanced cleanup efforts on major interstates such as I-10, I-12, I-20, I-110, and I-610. The program will eventually expand to more populated rural routes by the year's end.

DOTD urges residents to contribute to keeping Louisiana litter-free by disposing of waste responsibly and engaging in local cleanup projects. More information on participation can be found at www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org, and updates on DOTD's efforts can be followed on their Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms.