§235.  Adopt-a-road program

A.  The department is authorized to develop a program to be known as "adopt-a-road", whereby a business or a private civic organization may adopt a section of state-maintained highway, interstate highway, or interstate highway interchange for the sole purpose of controlling litter along that section of highway, interstate highway, or interstate highway interchange.  The department may also enter into cooperative endeavor agreements to effectuate the purposes of this Section. Included in the responsibilities of any business or private civic organization which chooses to participate in the program shall be the following:

(1)  Development of a functional plan to influence and encourage the public to improve the appearance of the adopted section of highway.

(2)  A general cleanup of the area at least twice a year.

(3)  Assistance to the department in securing media coverage for the program.

B.  The department shall also develop a program whereby a business or private civic organization may adopt the median of a portion of a state-maintained highway inside a municipality.  The business or private civic organization shall control litter, cut grass, maintain existing shrubs and trees, and trim curbs.  It may also plant flowers and additional plants if approved by the department.  The adoption of these areas shall be for a period of at least one year.

C.  Any organization which adopts an interstate highway interchange shall conduct its general cleanup of such areas only when escorted by a municipal or parish law enforcement officer or other person approved by the department.

D.  Any parish or municipality which maintains a portion of the green space along a state-maintained highway, interstate highway, or interstate highway interchange may place a sign identifying the parish or municipality upon approval of the department.

E.  Any parish or municipality which has a parkway adoption program may place a sign identifying an organization, business, department of government, or individual that adopts a section of state-maintained highway, interstate highway, or interstate highway interchange upon approval of the department.

F.  The department shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Section.

Acts 2008, No. 89, §1, eff. June 5, 2008.