The Geomatics Student Association adopted part of Highway 1 through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s program Adopt-A-Road in hopes of giving back to the community.
“We see this as a way to get out into the public to not only publicize our program, but to extend a hand in helping keep our portion of Louisiana beautiful,” Janssen Robichaux, geomatics student association president, said.
The association decided to adopt the part of Highway 1 from Bowie Road to Goode Street. The association decided to do so to not only service the community but so that the association can do something together as a group, Robichaux said.
As part of Louisiana DOTD’s Adopt-A-Road program, there is a minimum cleanup requirement of four times a year for the stretch of highway that the association adopted.
“Before participants were able to participate in the litter pick up, we had to watch a short safety video with tips on being safe while on the side of the highway,” Robichaux said. “These responsibilities offer our program an excellent source of service learning hours, which are a requirement of the Geomatics programs.”
For the association to adopt the road, there are three things the DOTD requires before adoption. First, the association must survey the area that needs to be cleared and get the correct number of people together to get it cleaned. Second, they have to contact the appropriate DOTD office to make sure that part of the highway was not previously adopted and third, they must fill out an application.
The Geomatics Student Association had their first cleanup on March 22.
“Adopting the highway also offers the opportunity to hang out together and to reach out to other organizations such as Phi Kappa Theta,” Robichaux said of the organization who helped out during the March 22 cleanup.
The application and adopting process is completely free and DOTD provides most of the materials the association will need to maintain the portion of the highway.
According to LA DOTD’s website, they enlist volunteers to remove litter and debris from state and federal roadsides.  While saving taxpayer dollars, the program provides recognition for participating groups and organizations, promotes civic responsibilities and pride, makes the public aware of the problem and helps keep Louisiana clean and green.
“The Louisiana DOTD has been very helpful through the entire highway adoption process and encourages other organizations to adopt a highway and to keep Louisiana beautiful,” Robichaux said.