WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation organizes an annual fall statewide roadside cleanup to ensure clean and beautiful roads across our state; and
WHEREAS, the Fall Litter Sweep roadside cleanup encourages local governments and communities, civic and professional groups, businesses, churches, schools, families, and individuals across the state to participate by sponsoring and organizing local roadside cleanups; and
WHEREAS, Adopt-A-Highway Volunteers, Department of Transportation employees, community service workers, and interested residents conduct annual local cleanups during Fall Litter Sweep and may receive certificates of appreciation for their participation; and
WHEREAS, the great natural beauty of our state and a clean environment are sources of great pride for all North Carolinians, attracting tourists and aiding in recruiting new industries; and
WHEREAS, the cleanup will increase awareness of the need for cleaner roadsides, emphasize the importance of not littering, and encourage recycling of solid wastes; and
WHEREAS, the Fall Litter Sweep cleanup will celebrate the 36th anniversary of the North Carolina Adopt-A-Highway program and its approximately 5,000 volunteer groups who donate their labor and time year-round to keep our roadsides clean; and
WHEREAS, the Fall Litter Sweep cleanup will be a part of educating the children of this great state regarding the importance of a clean environment to the quality of life in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages residents in all 100 counties to take an active role in making their communities cleaner;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 16 – 30, 2023, as “FALL LITTER SWEEP” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.