Stop Litter Program At Work In Jefferson County

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The fight to keep Jefferson County clean and litter free begins early as local elementary school students learn the value of little prevention and recycling. This education is made possible through a Litter Grant received by Jefferson County. The Tennessee Department of Transportation Litter Grant Program provides county grants to improve litter control, education and fund beautification projects. These monies are generated by a specialty tax on the malt beverage and soft drink industries. About five million dollars is raised annually by this tax and the money is distributed to all 95 Tennessee counties based on county road miles and population. The Tennessee Department of Transportation also provides special grant funds for projects that go beyond regular maintenance. These grants range from twenty five thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars.

Eighty five hundred dollars of the Jefferson County grant funds are used for education. Second graders in local elementary schools receive backpacks made of recycled materials and prizes to encourage classroom learning and participation. County inmates provide roadside clean-up, and Jefferson County also has a special litter control officer. The TDOT Litter Grant Program is an important part of keeping Jefferson County clean and beautiful for both residents and visitors alike.