Lake County's Adopt-a-Roadway Ordinance was enacted by the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 18, 1992. The purpose of the program is to involve the public to assist with the effort of keeping Lake County roadways free of litter.

Volunteer groups participating in the program save the taxpayers of Lake County about $250 per mile cleaned, which translates into thousands of dollars saved. By adopting a roadway, civic and other nonprofit organizations help to generate pride in their community and create economic benefits to all citizens of Lake County.

Other benefits for an adopting organization and community are:

• Enhancing the environment
• Keeping adopted sections clean and reducing litter along roadways
• Giving the adoptive groups a sense of stewardship over public lands
• Helping to create a society where prevailing attitudes do not tolerate littering
• Educating the traveling public about litter prevention
• Building road-based support in the community for local anti-litter and beautification programs
• Providing a way for groups to contribute to the community
• Instilling pride in all who participate
• Lessening the financial burden placed on taxpayers to keep roadways litter-free
• Making communities more attractive to business, industry and tourists
• The Department of Public Works will erect a sign at each end of the adopted section with the group's name or acronym displayed. Businesses that wish to sponsor groups may do so; the business name (no logos allowed) will also appear on the sign.