Snow removal after double blizzards costs W.Va. $1 million a day; total edges closer to budget

Epic snow removal costing W.Va. $1 million a day

CHARLESTON, W.Va, — West Virginia is spending about $1 million a day to clear snow after two epic blizzards hit the East Coast.

The state Division of Highways says the costs had totaled $43 million as of Monday, before the second storm struck. At $1 million a day, the costs would be edging closer to the total budget for snow removal this winter of $54 million.

Division spokesman Brent Walker said Thursday that expenses include not only salt and equipment, but also overtime for drivers working 12- to 16-hour days and payment to private contractors.

If snow removal costs exceed $54 million — a possibility with another 6-8 weeks of winter weather ahead — funds in other areas will have to be cut. Walker said that could mean cutbacks in maintenance, paving and mowing in the spring and summer.