RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Department of Transportation says it's ready to keep the state's roads clear of ice and snow this winter, despite cutbacks elsewhere in the agency's budget.

VDOT says that it increased snow-removal funding by about $4 million so it can provide adequate manpower, materials and equipment to get the job done.

The agency has a $79.6 million snow-removal budget for state-maintained roads this winter. Another $14 million is budgeted for snow and ice removal on roads maintained by the state through interstate contracts.

The department says more than 3,000 crewmembers will be standing by to handle snow removal. More than 2,300 pieces of equipment, 62,000 tons of sand and 239,000 tons of salt will be available.



Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com