WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. -- Several communities across Westmoreland County could be in a pinch for road salt this winter.
Greensburg, Jeannette, Manor, Mt. Pleasant, Penn Township, South Greensburg, Scottdale, Sewickley Township and Trafford join together each year to buy salt in bulk, as part of the Central Westmoreland Council of Governments.
They usually get a good price for salt -- but not this year.
"Everybody who was with us, they were notified yesterday -- either by e-mail, fax or whatever -- that there were no bids. They have to go out on their own and find some," the COG's Mike Pacelli said.
Salt companies say they don't have enough supply after last winter. One company told the COG that the price would jump from $45 per ton in 2007 to $109 per ton this year.
Most of the affected communities told WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Jennifer Miele that they plan to make only the major roadways a priority for plowing.
"Worst case, they are going to run out of salt by December. (Best case), we have a real mild winter and they don't need much salt. That's the best case scenario we can come up with," Pacelli said.
Hempfield Township stocked up on salt early and plans to use its supply sparingly.
"Besides using nothing but salt, use our 50-50 mixture with anti-skid. We are taking a look at the pre-wetting agents that are out there. So we are trying to get creative, and trying to control our costs, especially with fuel," Hempfield Public Works Director Mike Volpe said.
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