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Adopt-A-Highway Program

The State of Maine is the 49th state to create an Adopt-A-Highway Program. MaineDOT’s Final Rule was adopted on February 22, 1999 and amended slightly in July, 1999 to include "townways". This site will provide you with everything you need to know about this Program.

The MaineDOT will play a relatively minor role in this program. It was designed by the Legislature as one which would be driven by Maine local governments. The MaineDOT will be involved in receiving applications from participating municipalities and then reviewing the proposed sign assembly locations on all public highways in those towns. Municipalities will be establishing the local rules and regulations and other details to run the program.

Quick Synopsis of the Adopt-A Highway Program

  • The primary purpose is to allow individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to participate in litter control and beautification activities along Maine's public highways.
  • All public highways, both State and local, are eligible for participation.
  • Any interested municipality or county may adopt its own program for these activities.
  • MaineDOT will have limited involvement.
  • Any sign erected to recognize participating organizations must have a permit from the MDOT.
  • Each sign shall not exceed 4 square feet in area., and the cumulative total for each full sign assembly may not exceed 50 square feet.
  • Each municipality can erect up to four full sign assemblies within its boundaries to announce the existence of this Program in the Town.
  • Each sign assembly will be installed and maintained by the town.
  • MDOT will have final responsibility and authority to determine the specific size and location of any sign assembly.
  • This Program does NOT apply to the Interstate or a fully-controlled access highway

Basic Process

  • Decide to establish a Program and set up your local rules, preferably in ordinance form.
  • Provide those rules to the Boy Scouts, or the Kiwanis Club, or any interested group who wants to "adopt" a highway in town.
  • Submit application from the Town to the MDOT for permission to erect these signs (even on local roads).
  • Design, purchase, install, and maintain a sign or sign assembly (for multiple groups) anywhere in town (limit is 4 per town).
  • Monitor groups so that safety is number 1 while working off the road.

State Statute related to the Adopt-A-Highway program

 

This page last updated on 1/9/13

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