Litter pickup initiative launched in Poconos

State Sen. Mario Scavello joined Chris Barrett, CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and Monroe County Commissioner Charlie Garris to announce a new litter initiative in the Pocono Mountains.

Senator Scavello said efforts have been underway for almost a year to address the problem of litter on area roadways and specifically Interstate 80.

In response to the concerns, the Visitors Bureau has entered into an agreement with Adopt a Highway Maintenance Corporation to pick up litter along the first 20 miles of Interstate 80 from Delaware Water Gap to State Route 380 in Tobyhanna. The company will pick up I-80 four times a year and the cost will be covered entirely by the existing hotel tax.

The Visitors Bureau hopes to expand the contract with Adopt a Highway Maintenance Company to cover litter pickup on other highways in the region. Residents who wish to learn more about these litter efforts can visit www.pickupthepoconos.com to learn more about how to get involved.