Higher salt prices may mean slippery roads
Higher salt prices may mean slippery roads
Byline:
By ALEX PIAZZA
Byline:
By ALEX PIAZZA
Traverse City -- Budget cuts and a hike in salt prices could make it tougher for motorists to travel on northwest Michigan's icy roads this winter.
County road commissions winced at a 22-percent increase in salt prices this year, and crews will have to ration the snow-melting mineral. Salt jumped to $59 per ton this year, as opposed to $48 per ton last year.
"It makes you question what these salt mines are actually doing," said Mary Gillis, Grand Traverse County Road Commission manager.
Gillis said the commission already warehoused 18,000 tons of salt, and more could be on the way. The commission runs a fleet of 50 plows that scatter salt and sand to clear roads.
Benzie County's Road Commission purchased its salt supplies in March, but didn't learn of the higher rate until September. The increase amounted to an extra $50,000 expense, said Bob Weaver, who manages Benzie's road commission.
"Nobody expected this," he said.
Benzie residents won't see as much weekend plowing activity, the result of cost-cutting efforts. Overtime pay also will be avoided, Weaver said.
"This year, you're going to see a difference," Weaver said. "We're not going to be out as much."
Grand Traverse County officials hired more seasonal employees this year, an attempt to veer away from permanent staff. The move will reduce expenses, but also could affect the quality of plowing.
"You're going to see less experience out there," Gillis said. "That could affect efficiency and timeliness."
County road commissions also must deal with declining revenue streams from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Gillis said the Grand Traverse County Road ommission received $70,000 less in MDOT revenue this month compared to last year.
"Our revenues have been going down for five years in a row," Gillis said. "We budgeted for a 4 percent decrease. Next year, we're budgeting for a 5 percent decrease."
Michigan hasn't had an increase in transportation funding since 1997, said Monica Ware, County Road Association of Michigan spokeswoman.
"A lot of agencies have implemented programs to use salt only on curves, hills and intersections -- areas that are more prone to slide-offs," Ware said.
Ware attributed the MDOT revenue shortage to a decrease in fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees.
- Posted on November 5, 2009
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Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of slippery roads. That sounds like a lot of snow.
I KNOW WAT YOU MEAN. lIKE WHEN IT SAYS YOU CAN TURN RIGHT ON RED AND THEY DO THE OPPOSITE TURN LEFT ON RED WHATS WITH THAT.
Hopfully no one slides off the road and dies. That would be very bad. Lots of sad people, there would be. I'd feel bad for the loved ones.
I think it is a good idea because in michigan it is pretty cold and there is alot of snow and i think salt would help and if it has helped for all these years then what is the problem now.
I understand the increase with cost and that our state has been facing hard times the last several years. However, when the road commission is forced to make cost cutting decisions for salting and clearing our roads it can ultimately put the lives of our citizens at risk. I believe they need to think carefully about these decisions.
My grandparents,aunts,uncles,and great aunts and uncles live in Michigan and that's just not right.the economy is very bad but all we need to do is stop spending money on things like Yates and cruse ships.
But that's not a good idea because it can cause more accidents because cities cant afford the salt.
And Michigan knows how to pack a punch on cars. We all ready have all that snow to get through!
Our economy is getting worse and worse. I love it!!!! Not! Now all us high schooler's are going to get out of school and have to get really good jobs to pay off all this debt. I wish there was something we could do so that we wouldn't have to lose any more money through gas and maintenance like salting roads and plowing and road repairs.
That's 11 dollars more than last year- what are they thinking. Along with this and gas i'm appauled at how much money it racks up to be.
what an issue there must be a better way i mean i live in ha.. and they also said we have a problem with salt and not only that but there are a lot of inexperienced kids out there who dont know how to drive i mean im 16 and i can drive better than most 16-72 year olds.