Pictured from left is District 7 Litter Prevention Coordinator Daphne Scott, Commissioner Charles Busby, Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland, Jefferson Davis County Under Sheriff Evan Price and District 7 Maintenance Engineer Brad Cupit.

MDOT Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby recently presented the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department with a vehicle to be used for inmate litter removal efforts.

The truck was one of six vehicles being transferred from the Mississippi Department of Transportation to sheriff’s departments in the southern district. Also receiving a van or truck as part of the program were Simpson, Smith, Pike, Forrest and Walthall County.

“We need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to adequately address the problem of litter in our state, and that’s why we are so pleased to offer our law enforcement partners the tools they need help tackle this issue,” said Busby. “These vehicles allow counties to make greater use of the Inmate Litter Program, which helps keep our state beautiful, improve travelers’ perception of Mississippi and instill a sense of pride in inmates by contributing to community enhancements.”

The Inmate Litter Program is a partnership between MDOT and participating counties that aims to remove litter from state right of ways using inmate labor.

“Litter is a huge problem in Jefferson Davis County and we appreciate MDOT helping us fight this battle,” said Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland

Crews of inmates pick up litter on state-maintained highway systems with a deputy supervising work. MDOT furnishes trash bags, safety vests, gloves and advisory signs. The program is one of several ways litter is removed from state highways.

“MDOT spends millions of dollars each year on the problem of litter; that’s money that could be used improve our roads and bridges,” said Busby. “Please do you part to keep Mississippi beautiful and conserve taxpayer dollars by always putting trash where it belongs and recycling whenever possible.”

Learn more about litter prevention at GoMDOT.com/DontTrashMS. Stay updated on road conditions at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.