Inmates from prison facilities and offenders sentenced to community service are joining the effort to help clean up North Carolina roadways as part of the Fall 2003 Litter Sweep. Governor Michael F. Easley issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 13-28 as the fall Litter Sweep in an effort to encourage all citizens and government agencies to take an active role in keeping their communities clean.

"The Department of Correction is once again proud to take part in this important effort to help keep North Carolina roadways clean," said Secretary Theodis Beck. "The offenders who participate in Litter Sweep appreciate the chance to be a part of a team effort and to give back to the community."

Each year, the Department of Transportation organizes Litter Sweep roadside cleanups during the fall and spring. Adopt-a-Highway volunteers, local governments, schools, churches, businesses, concerned citizens and inmates conduct community cleanups in all 100 counties across the state.

During the Spring 2003 Litter Sweep inmates cleaned 5,743 miles of roads and collected 73,973 bags of trash.

Among the locations that will be participating in the Fall 2003 Litter Sweep are:

• Marion Correctional Institution – Cleanup of roadways in McDowell County.
  Contact Sgt. Linda Nichols, Marion Minimum Custody Unit (828) 652-4321
• Rutherford Correctional Center – Cleaning roadways in Rutherford and McDowell counties.
  Contact Supt. Johnny Poteat (828) 286-4121
• Gaston Correctional Center – Roadways in Gaston County. 
  Contact Supt. Jimmy Cauble (704) 922-5201
• Dan River Prison Work Farm – Cleanup in Guilford and Rockingham counties.
  Contact Supt. George Solomon (336) 694-1583
• Durham Correctional Center – Roadways in Durham County. 
  Contact Supt. David Cates (919) 477-2314
• Umstead Correctional Center – Cleanup in Granville County. 
  Contact Supt. John Bryant (919)575-3174
• Tillery Correctional Center – Cleanup in Halifax and Northampton counties.
  Contact Supt. Tommie King (252) 826-4165
• Fountain Correctional Center for Women – Cleanup in Edgecombe County/ Rocky Mount.
  Contact Supt. Jimmy Horton (252) 442-9712

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