In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of litter and carcass removal on state roads, emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to maintain Utah's reputation for cleanliness. Representative Ivory introduced the topic, highlighting the grassroots efforts of organizations like Do Better Utah, which aim to tackle littering through community engagement and education.

Blake Jensen from Do Better Utah noted that Utah's funding for litter control is significantly lower than that of states like Arizona, which allocates over $12 million for similar initiatives. He stressed the importance of consistent funding to ensure year-round cleanup efforts rather than sporadic campaigns that lack continuity.

Leif Elder from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the agency had faced an $1.8 million budget cut for litter management. He advocated for restoring and potentially increasing this budget to enhance cleanup efforts. Elder also outlined a three-phase approach to addressing litter: prevention, enforcement, and cleanup.

The discussion included innovative ideas for public engagement, such as scholarship contests and community challenges to incentivize litter collection. Officials acknowledged the need for better coordination among various agencies, including UDOT and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to clarify responsibilities for carcass removal and litter management.

As the meeting progressed, representatives expressed a commitment to developing a committee bill aimed at establishing a permanent solution for litter and carcass removal, with plans to draft the proposal for review in November. The initiative reflects a broader goal of enhancing Utah's image as a pristine destination, especially in light of upcoming tourism events like the Olympics.