Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Maria Smith 212-442-7036 (DOT)
Rick Weintraub 703-872-5100 (US Airway)
"Today US Airways steps to the forefront of New York City's tradition of great corporate citizens," said Mayor Giuliani. "They have agreed to sponsor the clean-up and maintenance of a record 32 miles of New York City Highways through our City's successful Adopt-A-Highway Program - that's nine percent of the total adoptable highway miles available in New York City. Our partnerships with the private sector have made our highways an advertisement for our City's new era of cleanliness, safety and efficiency. This is a great example of our shared commitment to make our City better than it has been before. On behalf of all New Yorkers I extend our thanks to US Airways, a great corporate citizen and friend to the City of New York."
US Airway President and CEO Rakesh Gangwal said, "US Airways and its employees are proud to be associated with Mayor Giuliani and the New York City Adopt-A-Highway program. This is another example of the Mayor's efforts to reach out to business and to work together for the betterment of New York City. We look forward to a long relationship with Adopt-A-Highway."
The City's Adopt-A-Highway Program was launched in 1995 and offers corporate sponsors and individuals the opportunity to "adopt" miles on the City's 28 arterial highways, including the Grand Central Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, the Long Island Expressway and the Staten Island Expressway. Financial support is provided by the sponsors in conjunction with maintenance providers, who perform litter removal, graffiti eradication or landscaping services. The efforts of the sponsors are acknowledged with customized signs posted on the roads, acknowledging their commitment. Celebrities have also adopted sections of the City's highways: Bette Midler adopted two miles of the Long Island Expressway and Robin Williams adopted one mile of the Grand Central Parkway and one mile of the Laurelton Parkway.
"Since its inception the Adopt-a-Highway Program has been, and still remains, a successful program aimed at keeping our City's highways safe, clean and efficient," said Commissioner Chapman. "This initiative again proves that government and the private sector can work together to enhance the quality of life in New York City. I would like to commend US Airways for its generosity and commitment to this program."
Under an agreement with private contractors approved by the DOT, adopting sponsors are responsible for cleaning and maintaining sections of the City's highways for a minimum of one year. This includes litter removal and mechanical sweeping. In return, the DOT acknowledges sponsors with a customized sign on their stretch of highway.
Under the Adopt-A-Highway Program, US Airways agreed to a five-year contract on the following adopted roadways: