Posted on 05/22/2009, 9:28 am, by mySteinbach

Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant this weekend as 4-H club members are scheduled to carry out their annual spring highway cleanup, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux announced.
 
“We are asking vehicle operators to use extra caution and be on the lookout for young 4-H people working along our roadways,” said Lemieux.  “We do have safety measures in place, but are also asking for the co-operation of all drivers for a safe experience.”
 
The 2009 effort across the province is to start, weather permitting, tomorrow, May 23. If the weather is poor, the alternative date is Saturday, May 30.
 
The project is sponsored by Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. 4-H clubs are paid for each kilometre of roadside cleaned up.
 
“We commend the 4-H clubs for all of their good work in the past to clean up along our highways and roads and also for helping these youth gain a sense of achievement and share in the pride of a job well done,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk.
 
In 2008, over 1,900 members from 82 clubs cleaned 1,030 km of roadside. There were 5,967 bags of trash collected and the 4-H clubs earned $23,468 for rural projects. As well, recyclable bottles and cans were delivered to recycling pickup areas.
 
All work areas are supervised by adult volunteers and marked with safety signs.  Motorists are asked to be alert for these signs and use caution when passing 4-H highway cleanup crews.