Shreveport Purchasing Street Sweepers to Battle Litter Problem

The Shreveport City Council will formally consider today spending $600,000 on two street sweepers to target debris on arterial streets, highway ramps, intersections and medians.

These machines haven't been regularly used in Shreveport for several years, so litter has collected along curbs and untraveled parts of area streets. To pay for them, the Department of Public Works will transfer funds within its existing budget.

"The street sweepers are just the first step in our overall campaign to make our streets more appealing and to address the steady, and legitimate, complaints we receive from our citizens," said Director of Public Works Stan Harris in a news release.

Another element in Harris' proposed program is an effort to keep illegal signs from being placed in the right-of-way. He's studying a robo-call system to battle illegal signs.

Two compliance officers will be hired to pursue those who violate city ordinances as they relate to the public right-of-way, with emphasis on illegal signs and violations associated with the new solid waste ordinance. Although city staff will be on the lookout for trouble spots, citizens are encouraged to call and report violations at specific locations.

Litter control is also a big part of the program. The city has partnered with Shreveport Green to develop an education program to discourage people from littering.

Shreveport Green will also:

· Establish, institute and continue recognition programs for clean residential, commercial and industrial properties.
· Reach out to neighborhoods to facilitate property maintenance efforts.
· Work with other public and private groups to enlist their involvement in cleanup, beautification and recycling efforts.
· Seek outside financial support to assist in meeting mutual goals of the city and Shreveport Green.
· Work with the city to publicize and familiarize citizens with the new solid waste changes.