Board applauds GDOT employee effort s
in Roadside Enhancement Program

ATLANTA (December 14, 2007) – Six employees of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Roadside Enhancement program were recognized by the State Transportation Board Thursday for their contributions to beautifying the state’s highways by planting and caring for wildflowers.

   Board members noted that the Department, through a partnership with the Garden Club of Georgia and funding from the Wildflower Auto Tag, the Wildflower Program has been able to support beautification projects throughout the state as well as research and maintenance. The six employees and their co-workers in the GDOT Office of Maintenance play a key role in ensuring the wildflowers are properly maintained and visible throughout the state.

   The Garden Club of Georgia has recognized the efforts of each DOT district maintenance office and has cited deserving Georgia DOT maintenance employees for their hard work and dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Georgia; according to a Resolution adopted by the 13-member board at its regular monthly meeting Thursday.

   Johnny Westmoreland of Helen, Gilbert Harris of Ellaville, Rodney Humphries of Worth County, Robert McLaughlin of Ware County, Ronnie Gray of Tallapoosa, and Latoya Scrutchins of Atlanta, all received the Garden Club of Georgia’s “Best Wildflower Award” at its annual roadside beautification contest which recognizes and applauds their effort. 

   The Georgia Department of Transportation Wildflower Program began in 1974 with the efforts of Virginia Hand Callaway to plant and protect wildflowers on the roadsides. The Department implemented the program after former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and several Garden Club of Georgia members researched the highly-successful Texas Wildflower Program and presented their ideas to the Department.

   The Board resolved that the “Best Wildflower Award” recipients be commended “for their outstanding commitment to preserve and restore the natural beauty of the state.”