The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development should be responsible for keeping our interstate highways clean and maintained, and it is failing. And it’s happening right in front of its eyes.
This has been the case across Louisiana for decades. Why we tolerate it is disturbing. When friends return from traveling to other states, they note how clean things were. Why not here?
Recently, Louisiana Illuminator reported on Gov. John Bel Edwards announcing the creation of a new LSU Litter Institute, which will support debris abatement projects and centralize knowledge on the issue. (After eight years, I guess it’s better late than never.)
“I believe it is gonna provide a blueprint for us,” Edwards says. The institute is funded by an $800,000 appropriation from the state. It will work to connect hundreds of existing litter abatement programs across Louisiana that currently operate independently. The institute also aims to host an international litter abatement conference in Louisiana.
Really? That’s a bit ironic. We know we are not a leader here, so we must be the lab. And we better clean up our act before we welcome these visitors.
I applaud Edwards’ effort and intent in his final days and hope the institute will solve a long-standing problem in our state: roadside trash and litter. I would also ask that during his last month in office, he have DOTD do some urgent house cleaning at his front door … and set the example for the new administration.
Read McCollister’s full column from the latest edition of Business Report, in which he shares photos of blight on state-maintained roadways and his “Santa’s Wish List” for Baton Rouge. Send comments to editor@businessreport.com.
