Cumberland County New Jersey Cultivates Adopt-a-Road Program
Community Leaders Support Local Involvement
Bridgeton, N.J., September 20, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Cumberland County is on the road to becoming a litter-free community.
Cumberland County Improvement Authority Executive Director Gerard Velazquez III and County Director of Recycling and Enforcement, Anthony Riviera, have announced that that they are revamping their Adopt-A-Road program to help promote keeping Cumberland County litter-free. The new approach lets individuals and non-profit organizations adopt a road for free simply by signing an agreement that encourages them to follow maintenance and monitoring guidelines.
"This adjustment to our Adopt-A-Highway Program is a perfect way to foster meaningful relationships for those who live and work in Cumberland County. It is now easier than ever before to participate in a program designed to make our county beautiful and litter free."
Anthony Riviera, County Director of Recycling and Enforcement
Aside from the opportunity to beautify their neighborhood, choosing a one-mile or longer stretch of road also mitigates some of the growing financial burden of litter removal of more than 500 miles of road that run through the county. Additionally, this new approach strengthen and cultivate meaningful partnerships for the Cumberland County Improvement Authority.
“This adjustment to our Adopt-A-Highway Program is a perfect way to foster meaningful relationships for those who live and work in Cumberland County,” says Riviera. “It is now easier than ever before to participate in a program designed to make our county beautiful and litter free.”
“There is no better way to demonstrate your support for our county than becoming or renewing your partnership with the Adopt-A-Road program,” says Doug Long, Cumberland County Democratic Freeholder. “Everyone can talk about community spirit, but participation in this program demonstrates that you care by your actions. These new guidelines literally automate the process for participants.”
In an attempt to make the highway adoption process easier, Moorestown, N.J.-based PilotLight Studios, a web application design firm, created an online portal and app which turned a paper-driven enrollment process into a streamlined digital version.
Previously, would-be sponsors would choose a portion of the highway by a manual process only to discover later that someone else had already taken the requested section. The new app allows individuals and companies to choose a highway section immediately and provides alternatives if the initial choice is taken. It also sends reminders every three months alerting the “owner” that their cleaning duties are approaching and it also bills businesses $30 per month for posting their sign (there is no cost for individual sponsorship) on their stretch of the highway.
“We were happy to provide an easy and helpful solution to the residents of Cumberland County,” said PilotLight President Anthony Mongeluzo. “Anthony Riviera and Doug Long are great supporters of their community and because we have business interests in the area, my IT team thought we could contribute our skills. The winners, of course, are everyone who travels the roads of Cumberland County, because they’re almost spotless. At PilotLight, we’re glad we could help.”
Individuals or groups who choose to participate receive a designated road to adopt, collection supplies and a 12 X 18-inch sign bearing their name that will appear on the adopted roadside. Giving citizens this opportunity pairs volunteers with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority’s Clean Communities program which has been working toward improving the environment as well as participating in New Jersey’s Adopt-A-Road program.
Although those who have been a part of this program are entitled to the same road that they have previously adopted, they must recommit to the adoption by contacting the Improvement Authority directly. This effort will not only ensure the sanctity of our land but it will maintain Cumberland County as a shining example that other communities may follow.
For more information on the Improvement Authority’s Clean Communities Adopt-A-Road Program, contact Riviera, at 856.825-3700 x2010, triveria@ccia-net.com or visit www.ccia-net.com.
