In early 1986, NCDOT developed a Contract Mowing Program and took bids for mowing of highway rights-of-way in 40 of the state's 100 counties. Thirty of the contracts were awarded and 29 operated during that mowing season. The value of these contracts was $3,164,000.
Today, NCDOT prepares proposals, bid sheets and lettings in addition to collecting data and advertising mowing contracts for each contract year. In 2003 the program included 66 mowing contracts in 98 counties with a total value of $16,474,632 and an estimated 638,346 shoulder miles.
