If you've noticed a lot of litter on the ground in Shreveport lately, you're not the only one. It's easy to spot while driving around town.

Jud Hodge has lived in Shreveport for 58 years. He says the litter problem here is the worst he's ever seen.

"It seems to be in a steady decline. And it's just really gotten out of hand," Hodge said. "As you're coming into Shreveport it's just horrendous. And that bothers me a lot because people that visit our area see this and think, 'It must be like this everywhere.'"

Shreveport's Public Works Director Stan Harris says the Streets & Drainage department is about one third the size it was a decade ago. Harris says the primary focus has to be driving surface and drainage; not litter.

"Well right now we basically address litter with community service workers," said Harris. "We don't have enough staff to have a really strong litter program."

Harris says the department is looking into a city-wide litter program that would educate the public and offer better ways to report littering.

Littering in Louisiana can result in fines up to $5,000. Those who litter can also be forced to serve between four and 10 hours of community service, have their driver's license suspended for one year, and can even face up to 30 days of jail time.