Why you will soon see less trash along Modesto roads, highways
Modesto is working with Caltrans to pick up fast-food wrappers, plastic coffee cups and other litter left along some of the city’s major thoroughfares in the state transportation agency’s clean sweep program.
The City Council recently approved an agreement between Modesto and Caltrans for the city to pick up litter along sections of Highway 132 (Maze Boulevard), Highway 219 (Kiernan Avenue) and Highway 99. Modesto also will pick up litter along other major thoroughfares, such as Briggsmore and McHenry avenues.
The city will hire a nonprofit that provides work for people facing barriers to employment, such as homeless people, to do the work. Caltrans is contributing $100,000 annually to the effort, and Modesto is contributing $50,000.
Two Northern San Joaquin Valley nonprofits responded to the city’s request for proposals regarding doing the work. City officials are evaluating the proposals and expect to bring an agreement to the City Council in February.
The agreement with the nonprofit is expected to be for three years with two one-year extensions. The litter removal should start shortly after the council approves an agreement.
The workers will pick up litter that belongs in trash cans and not bulky items, such as car tires and broken appliances that people dump along the street.
This is part of the city’s effort to make Modesto beautiful. Officials will bring a blight abatement strategy to the City Council at its Tuesday meeting. The strategy will include the city forming more partnerships with neighborhood groups, businesses, faith-based organizations and others to reduce blight.
The council meets at 5:30 p.m. in the basements chambers of Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St.
