Little Rock, Arkansas – The Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful has officially become part of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), following the passage of Act 148 during the 2026 Fiscal Session.
The move transfers the duties and responsibilities of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission into the newly established Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful within ARDOT. Previously, the commission operated under the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
Officials said the transition will bring together two organizations with closely connected goals, creating new opportunities to improve litter prevention, roadside appearance, and beautification efforts across the state.
Act 148 was sponsored by Senator Mark Johnson and officially changed the structure of Keep Arkansas Beautiful by placing its programs under ARDOT. The change is expected to allow the office to work more closely with transportation officials and coordinate efforts along Arkansas’ highway system.
McKenzie McMath Coronel, Administrator of the Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful, said the partnership creates possibilities that go beyond traditional litter cleanup efforts.
“This partnership creates opportunities to think beyond litter,” McKenzie McMath Coronel, Administrator of the Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful, said. “Together, we can build on that work by enhancing the beauty of Arkansas through roadside wildflowers, scenic byways, community beautification, and other initiatives that make our highways and public spaces places people are proud of.”
While the Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful will continue its statewide programs and partnerships, officials said joining ARDOT will help strengthen coordination with existing transportation initiatives. One area of focus will be closer collaboration with ARDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program and other statewide litter prevention activities.
The partnership is expected to provide more opportunities to connect community involvement with highway maintenance and beautification projects. Through combined efforts, officials hope to encourage more participation in keeping roadsides, public areas, and communities clean.
ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said litter remains a major challenge for Arkansas and that the additional expertise from Keep Arkansas Beautiful will support the department’s ongoing efforts.
“Litter is a significant problem for our State, and we’ve been increasing our efforts to combat it through education, enforcement, and dedicated funding for abatement. There is no doubt that the Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s experience and expertise will strengthen our collective efforts as we strive to do all we can to keep the Natural State more natural,” ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said.
The Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful will continue working with communities, volunteers, and organizations throughout Arkansas while benefiting from closer access to ARDOT resources and programs.
State officials said the transition represents a new approach to protecting Arkansas’ natural beauty by combining education, community action, and transportation efforts. The goal is to create cleaner roadsides, stronger community partnerships, and public spaces that residents and visitors can enjoy across the Natural State.
