EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of El Paso’s Adopt-A-Street program has received 37 applications during its first month open to the public, with 30 approved, as city officials encourage more residents and organizations to help keep local streets clean.
The program launched Sept. 1 at the start of the city’s new fiscal year, inviting individuals, families, businesses, schools, churches and community organizations to adopt eligible street segments and organize litter cleanups.
“We expected a few applications to start, but when we got 37 over the first weekend, we were very excited to see how much the community wants to be involved,” said Kelly Leyva, an engineering associate with the city’s Streets and Maintenance Department.
According to Leyva, the city has received its first cleanup report from a participant in Tierra Este.
As of the one-month update, one cleanup had been reported.
“The ultimate goal is beautification, cleaning the city, cleaning the streets,” Leyva said. “And we’re just so appreciative of all the groups that have signed up so far to help us with that.”
Participants agree to maintain a one-mile segment of an eligible minor arterial or collector roadway for two years.
Volunteers are required to complete at least four cleanups annually, or one every three months.
RECOMMENDED: Final defendant in Young Park shooting case sentenced to three consecutive life terms
There is no fee to participate.
The city provides cleanup supplies, including trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and tools.
After completing a cleanup, participants can take bagged trash to one of the city’s five Citizen Collection Stations or arrange for city pickup.
Once a group is approved, collects its supplies and completes its first cleanup, the city verifies the effort and installs two recognition signs along the adopted street.
The signs include the participant’s name.
Leyva said people participate for a variety of reasons, including honoring loved ones.
“Some of them are in remembrance,” Leyva said, describing a couple who adopted a street in memory of their daughter.
Despite the initial interest, 143 street segments remain available, according to the city’s program update.
The city’s pilot program was designed to encourage community involvement in reducing litter and improving the appearance of neighborhood streets and major corridors.
Residents can review available street segments, find program guidelines, and access the application and volunteer agreement through the city’s website.
To learn more or apply, visit El Paso’s Adopt-A-Street program webpage.
RECOMMENDED: Woman speaks out after alleged trauma-room assault left her fearful and seeking to move
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.