Grant will keep area clean

Litter grant funds totaling $3 million are distributed annually by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to all 95 counties.

According to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, the funds for the grants are obtained through the collection of a specialty tax on the malt beverage and soft drink industry through the Litter Grant Bill enacted by the General Assembly in 1981.

The funds each county receives are determined by road miles and population in order to ensure an equitable distribution statewide.

Funds must be used for litter pick-up activities and litter prevention education. Education funding can be used in a variety of ways, such as sharing litter control awareness with schools, citizens and businesses.

"Each year volunteers pick up nearly 25.5 million pounds of roadside litter," Gov. Phil Bredesen said. "Litter is an eyesore, it's costly to clean up and can be harmful to our environment, but it's totally preventable. These funds will be used by counties across the state to organize their pick-up efforts and conduct educational campaigns to teach children and adults about the importance of keeping Tennessee beautiful."

"Our roadsides are no place for trash," agreed Rep. Curt Cobb. "If we can educate people on the consequences of littering in Tennessee and encourage them to report litter when they see it happening, this is money well spent."

"It's a shame that anyone would choose to throw trash out and tarnish our beautiful state," said Sen. Jim Tracy. "I'm pleased to see Gov. Bredesen and TDOT committing these funds to Stop Litter in Bedford County."

Through the litter pickup program, approximately 25.5 million pounds of roadside litter was picked up on approximately 292,000 miles of county roads, and approximately 45,000 miles of state routes.