ND bill would shovel money to local governments

The Legislature is considering financial help for local governments to help cover snow removal expenses – because of the early heavy snowfall.
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Republican State Senator Terry Wanzek says local jurisdictions will be asked to look at a five year average of snow removal costs from October first to January first – and then compare the amount it cost them for the same period in 2022.  “if they exceed the average by 200% the state will cover 60% of their costs above 200%.”

And Wanzek says the measure would also allow a view of the full winter season – if there are further big snowfalls – and it would be the same formula.

He also says the plan is to “fast-track” the money for the October through December period.  “You know we are all fairly resilient people and we learn how to live and deal with it…but this is just an effort to provide some relief to entities hit hard.”

Snow removal costs for Grand Forks can exceed $2 million dollars in any given calendar year when you factor in everything from wages and fuel to sand and salt.

NDPPR/KNOX