5 Snow Emergencies So Far A Record For Mpls.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The calendar says today is officially the first day of winter. But with all the snowfall in December, some people feel that we have put up with three or four winter's-worth of snow.
"It's a battle, but we'll win the war if we keep winning enough battles," said snow remover Bob Anderson.
The problem for Minneapolis is that there is hardly any break between battles. No sooner do they get snow off the streets than it piles back up.
"I'm wondering where they're going to put it all. I think we'll have lots of problems," said Chad Geier of Minneapolis.
Looking down some side streets and that's pretty easy to see. But the most telling sign of trouble is that Minneapolis budgeted for one snow emergency this December, which is average. So far, they've had five.
"If we can get out of this pattern, hopefully things will get a little bit better. But until then we have to just keep working the best we can. Sometimes we have to start over with this," said Mike Kennedy of Minneapolis Public Works.
If it continues, the city may have to look at adjusting down the road. Perhaps some streets don't receive immediate attention, as emergency routes are prioritized. And it could be that in the spring, fewer potholes are filled.
This year, narrow, snowy-packed streets seem to be the price you pay for living in Minneapolis's winter wonderland.
"It's slow going, problems are everywhere. There are hundreds and hundreds of miles that we need to deal with and we ask for patience. We are doing the best we can with the resources we have," said Kennedy.
Kenendy said public works is working with the mayor, city council and finance department to make adjustments if it comes to that. They will likely reach into a contingency fund to help pay for snow removal.
Minneapolis budgets for three and a half snow emergencies for the entire winter.
WCCO-TV's John Lauritsen Reports
