WEST PARIS – Selectmen unanimously approved purchasing more road salt Thursday.
Road Commissioner Bill Keach requested the additional winter salt because the town has used an unusual amount this season.
According to Keach, he has used about 300 tons so far. The usual total for the season is between 400 to 600 tons.
“Because of the many small storms we have had so far, we have been hit pretty hard as to the use of salt to treat the roads,” said Keach, “and, although I can’t tell exactly how much more I will need to finish the winter, I need to know that I can buy more as I need it.”
He added that a large number of small, nuisance storms is more costly than a few big storms.
“It would be better if we could have one big storm and be done with it,” he said.
Keach said he plans to place an order right away for up to three more loads, bringing the year’s total up to 650 tons.
He said the cost is now about $37 per ton, and he expects it will be going up later this year to about $50.
It was also pointed out that any salt not used during the remainder of this winter can be used next year.
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