Gem State Wire

The Idaho Transportation Department has honored the J.R. Simplot Company and its employees as the Adopt-A-Highway Group of the Year for Southeast Idaho. The recognition was announced during a board meeting held in Pocatello on Friday morning.

Since 2005, the Simplot team has been responsible for a section of U.S. Highway 30, covering mileposts 330 to 332, where they conduct biannual clean-up activities. On average, 37 employees participate in these efforts, collecting more than 1,600 pounds of litter, including a variety of items from car hoods to magazines.

Environmental Specialist Jeanene Lowry and Environmental Manager Jesse King represented the company to receive the accolade. Lowry expressed gratitude for the program and highlighted its benefits, saying, “We would like to thank the ITD, and all program administrators, which have made this program possible. The Adopt-A-Highway Program has enriched the Don Plant. The laughter and camaraderie that we have developed while picking up trash has had a lasting and invaluable impact on our employees. We have found the highway cleanup program to be a natural team-building activity that has positively impacted every aspect of production. It has given our Waste Minimization Team additional purpose and focus, especially in support of our ‘think outside the plant’ stewardship and sustainability goals.”

The Adopt-A-Highway program in Idaho traces its roots to the state’s Centennial Celebration in 1990 and the “Idaho is Too Great to Litter” campaign. Volunteer groups take responsibility for designated stretches of highway, typically around two miles long, to maintain them through regular litter patrols.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the initiative saves the state approximately $750,000 annually due to the volunteer labor. Over the course of 35 years, this translates to savings of about $26 million. The program has facilitated the removal of more than 5.5 million pounds of trash and debris from Idaho’s roadsides, with funds saved being redirected towards highway construction and maintenance.

Currently, there are over 1,000 active volunteer groups involved in the statewide program, with more than half of Idaho’s highways covered. Despite this, there are opportunities for other groups and individuals to join. Those interested in contributing to keeping Idaho's roads free of litter can apply online.