SHA Also Recognizes Royal Farms and other Businesses For Sponsoring Litter Removal           
          
          
(April 21, 2008) – Spring has arrived and now the litter that was hidden by snow and soggy leaves is more noticeable on state roads. For the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA), spring cleaning has begun and the Keep Maryland Beautiful campaign has kicked into high gear.           
          
One of the ways SHA addresses the ever-growing problem of litter on the roads is through partnerships with community and business organizations. SHA is pleased to announce that Royal Farms Corporation has joined the Sponsor-A-Highway (SAH) program by adopting 50 one-mile segments of roadway along sections of Interstate 695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-495 (Capital Beltway), US 50, I-97, I-95, and MD 100.           
          
SHA started the Maryland Sponsor-A-Highway program two years ago and has 184 segments available for sponsorship in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Queen Anne’s and Prince George’s counties. The program allows companies that do business in Maryland to pay for litter removal along one-mile segments of State-maintained highways. Forty-six SAH partners currently sponsor 135 segments.           
          
“By partnering with the business community to reduce litter along the roads, more resources are available to protect the environment,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “Not only does it help maintain the beauty of Maryland, but clear roads contribute to keeping roads safe for travelers, promoting tourism and supporting economic development.”          
          
Sponsoring groups, such as corporations, offices, or local businesses, may contract with an SHA pre-approved maintenance provider to pick up litter along a section of highway. Maintenance providers enter into agreements with the corporate sponsors to remove litter and sponsors are acknowledged with a sign displaying the company logo. Royal Farms is just of one of the many active sponsors in the program.          
          
          
“Royal Farms has long been depended upon by the motoring public for a great cup of coffee, delicious meal choices and snacks, all served Real Fresh and Real Fast, and for value priced, quality motor fuels. We’re pleased to do our part for the cleanliness and maintenance of area highways,” said Frank Schilling, Royal Farms’ Director of Marketing and Merchandising. To date, Royal Farms has supported more than 50 Sponsor-A-Highway segments along Maryland’s highways.          
          
SHA maintenance shops dedicate approximately two days a week to litter removal, taking time from other important safety and maintenance-related duties such as pothole repair, drainage cleaning, traffic management and mowing.           
          
To continue educating the public on the harms of littering, SHA is also airing a radio public service announcement featuring former Baltimore Oriole Billy Ripken, along with scheduled litter pickups by Adopt-A-Highway groups.          
          
SHA encourages all Marylanders to do their part to ensure the preservation of our natural resources. Put trash in the proper place – a trash can!           
          
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Editor’s Note: To speak with a representative of Royal Farms, media may call Susan Balen at Ritter, Inc. Strategic Marketing and Advertising, 610-354-9200.