Mild Winter Could Benefit Slow Economy

By: Monica McNeal | WSAV-TV
Published: January 30, 2012

The lack of snow has meant few days on the road for plowers and a bundle of money being saved on labor costs, salt and other supplies.

According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Information Specialist Erin Waters, "As far as our winter service expenditures, as of Dec. 31, 2011, we had spent $37.8 million. Last winter through that same time, we had spent $55.3 million."

"Our salt usage through Dec. 31, 2011, was 32,000 tons. During that same time period for 2010, we had used 94,000 tons," she added.

"The small number of winter maintenance call-outs has resulted in a savings in employee overtime costs, contracted winter maintenance services and material costs," Public Works Director Mark Whitfield of Centre County, Pa., said.

However, the surplus money is not something townships are celebrating, yet. Many have decided to save the money in case of a later, more severe winter.

"I am always hesitant to say that we have saved a lot of money in the middle of the winter, because the savings can evaporate rather quickly. It is easier to answer this question in mid-April than in mid- January," Whitfield said. "I think it is important to remember that in the past, we have used an entire annual winter maintenance budget in one month."

Some places have used the opportunity to work on maintenance projects that would typically be on hold this time of year.