Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is actively engaged in litter removal across the state, with a particular focus during the annual Love the Boot week, from April 5-13. Partnering with Keep Louisiana Beautiful and statewide affiliates, DOTD highlights this week in their ongoing litter removal efforts, which continue throughout the year. The department allotted approximately $13.6 million in fiscal year 2024, managing to remove a substantial volume of debris equivalent to more than 18 Olympic swimming pools.

"DOTD spends more than $13 million annually removing other people’s trash from state roadways," stated Todd Donmyer, DOTD Assistant Secretary of Operations. "This is tax money that could be used to repave more than 100 miles of state roadways. 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."

An additional $3 million was allocated by the state legislature, allowing DOTD to hire a contractor to tackle litter on heavily traveled routes. The efforts began in the New Orleans area prior to the Super Bowl, resulting in the removal of nearly 900 cubic yards of litter. As the initiative progresses, residents will notice increased cleanup activity on major interstates, including I-10, I-12, I-20, I-110, and I-610. Plans are in place to extend these efforts to more rural routes by the end of the year.

DOTD calls on citizens to help maintain a litter-free Louisiana by properly disposing of waste and participating in local cleanups. More information can be found at www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org, and updates on DOTD’s activities are available on their social media platforms.