Green County ready to respond to snowstorm
MONROE - Highway crews are ready for another snowfall, Green County Highway Commissioner Dallas Cecil said this morning.
"The trucks are loaded and we're ready to go out," he said.
Up to 9 inches of snow are expected to fall across Green County before tomorrow night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Snow is predicted to begin around 1 a.m. Friday with accumulation of 1 to 3 inches overnight. The NWS says there is a 90 percent chance of snow throughout the day Friday with accumulations of 4 to 6 inches possible. Gusts could be as high as 30 mph.
Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-30s over the next few days.
Cecil said crews will be out by 4 a.m. Friday. Road crews could be helped by warm temperatures today, he added.
"The roads will be warmer and that will help melt some of the snow," he said.
Drivers should expect snow on the roads Friday morning and should exercise caution, he added.
However, the exact amount the county will receive isn't yet known, Green County Highway Commissioner Dallas Cecil said.
Cecil said he appreciates any money the county receives to cover snow removal costs.
On Feb. 5 the county spent $14,600 for snow removal; on Feb. 6, the county spent $26,800 for snow removal; on Feb. 7 the county spent $26,500 for snow removal; and on Feb. 8 the county spent $9,200 for snow removal. The figures are the amounts the county spent just on county roads.
Over the same period of time, the county spent about $46,000 to clear state roads.
"It isn't just the two days that we spent money for snow removal because of the storm," Cecil said.
According to Doyle's office, local and state agencies will receive 75 percent of the eligible costs for road maintenance during the storm.
Cecil said there are formulas and other forms to fill out before his department receives any money.
According to Doyle's press release, Green County is one of eight counties that will receive assistance.
"This winter has been tough for Wisconsin and has strained many crews who worked long days and nights to keep roads clear and safe," Doyle said. The February storm was one of the worst in Wisconsin, Doyle added.
The money is for local and state agencies, not for individuals or private businesses, Doyle added.
The money will likely be distributed next month to local and state agencies in Dane, Dodge, Green, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Rock, Walworth and Washington counties, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter.
Those counties received between 11 and 29 inches of snow on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6, with some areas experiencing wind gusts of 35 to 60 miles per hour, according to Doyle's request for funding. The blowing snow caused near blizzard or whiteout conditions in rural areas and drifts of up to 4 feet high, Doyle said.
Snow depths were at record levels and made it difficult to find places to put it, Doyle said.
It is only the third time ever the state will receive federal funds for snowfall, Getter said.
Doyle had also requested aid for Lafayette, Ozaukee, Kenosha, Waukesha and Racine counties, but those weren't included in the president's order. Doyle's office said he would ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency to re-evaluate that decision.
The eight counties are eligible for funding to pay state and local government operations needed to protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to public or private property. They can also get funding for snow plowing, overtime and road salting efforts.