Adopt-A-Road:
The Cumberland County Improvement Authority is currently
at the forefront of the statewide Adopt-A-Road Program,
which it implements as part of the Cumberland County
Clean Communities Program. Adopt-A-Road has been a
great success, with participation from many businesses,
residents, and organizations around the county. The
number one Adopt-A-Road Program in New Jersey is not
resting on its laurels. The Program continues to sign-up
new groups.
Many different types of people and organizations have
become a part of the Adopt-A-Road family. The Adopt-A-Road
Program has attracted people from all walks of life
to work together to keep the roads of Cumberland County
litter-free.
“There’s is a lot
of good work coming out of the Adopt-A-Road Program.
People are beginning to realize that one small effort,
when multiplied by the hundreds of groups involved
in the program now, translates into a county-wide
effort that is number one in the state.”
- Steven R. Wymbs,
Executive Director
Introduction:
The Cumberland County Adopt-A-Road Program supports
the on-going efforts of the Cumberland County Clean
Communities Program and the New Jersey Adopt-A-Highway
Program to make our county roads more attractive,
while at the same time, controlling the growing cost
of litter removal on the 540 miles of roads and bridges
under its jurisdiction.
The problem is intensified by the fact that, while
New Jersey is the third smallest state in land size,
it is the most densely populated state in the nation
and has more vehicles per mile on its roads.
The most common category of litter found on the Cumberland
County roadways is paper, including fast food containers
and newspapers, followed by cans and bottles. It is
not unusual to find larger items discarded such as
tires, auto parts, and household debris.
The Adopt-A-Road Program provides citizens with an
opportunity to help the Cumberland County Clean Communities
Program achieve a mutual goal of safe, attractive,
litter free roadways and also to raise the public’s
level of awareness about the alarming increase in
the amount of roadside trash. The Adopt-A-Road Program
promotes and establishes the stewardship of public
lands by citizens, and is an example of how partnerships
between the private sector and government can help
resolve a problem.
Cumberland County joins New Jersey and 40 other states
who sponsor similar Adopt-A-Road programs.
How Does it Work?:
Groups may “adopt” at least a two-mile
section of a county road after signing a formal agreement
with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority and
the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program.
The Agreement states that the group:
Must do a pickup at least four times a
year.
Must designate a leader who ensures that
safety is a priority.
Uses safety equipment.
Receive roadside safety instructions.
Has participants no younger than 16 years
of age.
Follows appropriate recycling techniques.
A separate Adopt-A-Road agreement is available for
groups that wish to landscape. They may, for example,
mow or plant and maintain wildflowers or ornamental
beds.
The
Cumberland County Clean Communities Program will fabricate
and erect a sign on the adopted section of road that
identifies the program and the organization, business,
or individual. In addition, the Cumberland County
Clean Communities Program will promote public awareness
of your participation through the newspaper, radio,
and television media, as well as other communication
devices such as direct mail and group presentations,
thus encouraging others to participate and help to
achieve our goal of safe, attractive litter free roadways.
Participation:
The adoption of a section of roadway is a privilege
that may be granted by the Cumberland County Improvement
Authority through the Cumberland County Clean Communities
Program to groups or organizations who wish to assist
the Adopt-A-Road Program in achieving its goals.
The Cumberland County Clean Communities Program may
refuse a request to adopt a roadway if, in its opinion,
granting the request would jeopardize the program,
be counter-productive to its purpose, or create a
hazard to the safety of the traveling public.
The Cumberland County Clean Communities Program shall
reserve the right to consider other extenuating factors
in determining whether or not groups or individuals
may adopt sections of roadway.
At the sole discretion of the Cumberland County Clean
Communities Program, only groups or organizations
that are deemed responsible will be allowed to adopt
a road.
Program participants agree not to hold Cumberland
County, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority,
or the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program
responsible
for any injuries that they may suffer as a result
of participation in the program.
Adopting groups agree to indemnify and hold harmless
Cumberland County, the Cumberland County Improvement
Authority, and the Cumberland County Clean Communities
Program from all claims arising out of this program.
GENERAL LIMITING CONDITIONS
The program may, at any time, and for any reason,
be modified in scope or altered in any other manner
at the sole discretion of the Cumberland County Clean
Communities Program.
The name or title of the adopting group must receive
prior written approval before being placed on the
Adopt-A-Road signs.
MODIFICATION/RENEWAL/TERMINATION OF THE WRITTEN
AGREEMENT
The Adopt-A-Road agreement may be modified in scope
or altered in any other manner at the sole discretion
of the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program.
TERMINATION OF THE PROGRAM
The Adopt-A-Road Program may, at any time, and for
any reason, be terminated at the sole discretion of
the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program.
The Cumberland County Improvement Authority is currently
at the forefront of the statewide Adopt-A-Road Program,
which it implements as part of the Cumberland County
Clean Communities Program. Adopt-A-Road has been a
great success, with participation from many businesses,
residents, and organizations around the county. The
number one Adopt-A-Road Program in New Jersey is not
resting on its laurels. The Program continues to sign-up
new groups.
The Adopt-A-Road Program provides citizens with an
opportunity to help the Cumberland County Clean Communities
Program achieve a mutual goal of safe, attractive,
litter free roadways and also to raise the public’s
level of awareness about the alarming increase in
the amount of roadside trash. The Adopt-A-Road Program
promotes and establishes the stewardship of public
lands by citizens, and is an example of how partnerships
between the private sector and government can help
resolve a problem.
The
Cumberland County Clean Communities Program will fabricate
and erect a sign on the adopted section of road that
identifies the program and the organization, business,
or individual. In addition, the Cumberland County
Clean Communities Program will promote public awareness
of your participation through the newspaper, radio,
and television media, as well as other communication
devices such as direct mail and group presentations,
thus encouraging others to participate and help to
achieve our goal of safe, attractive litter free roadways.