The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has scheduled a news conference September 8 to kick off SCDOT’s 2008 Public Lands Observance.

The news conference will begin at 1:30 p.m. at a vacant lot on the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge on Highway 378.

Each September, SCDOT’s statewide maintenance forces demonstrate the agency’s support of National Public Lands Day, by scheduling a week of litter pick-up work along selected highways.

This year, SCDOT will conduct its National Public Lands activities the week of September 8-12 with clean-ups in each of the 46 counties.

SCDOT anticipates over 1,700 employees will participate in this year’s effort to clean-up and beautify South Carolina. Additionally, Adopt-A-Highway Groups in several counties will pick up litter from their adopted sections in September.

The press conference will provide an overview of the activities and remind motorists to drive safely and to be aware of employees and volunteers picking up litter.

            South Carolina Secretary of Transportation H.B. “Buck” Limehouse Jr. is scheduled to speak at the press conference, which will be followed by a brief litter pickup on site.

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