ODOT, Green Team road cleanup set Saturday

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 4 has partnered with the Mahoning County Green Team and Green Youngstown to host a State Roadway Cleanup for the city Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. at the Youngstown State University tailgate lot at Fifth and Rayen avenues.

The event begins with speakers from ODOT, the city and local elected officials, followed by a safety presentation. Volunteers will then begin removing litter from the city’s local streets and highways.

“Litter removal is an important task for our workforce to make local highways and expressways look their best,” Anthony Urankar, District 4 deputy director, said in a news release. “Expressways free and clear of debris can be important in attracting businesses and fostering economic development in Ohio.”

To register to volunteer, contact the city at 330-746-7526. Safety vests, gloves and trash bags will be provided to volunteers.

ODOT crews across District 4, which includes Ashtabula, Portage, Mahoning, Stark, Summit and Trumbull counties, picked up approximately 61,000 bags of litter last year, costing the state slightly more $575,000. In 2013, ODOT picked up 371,000 bags of litter statewide for a cost of about $4 million.

For information on the district’s cleanup efforts, contact Justin Chesnic at 330-786-2209 or email D04.PIO@dot.state.oh.us.