This morning I heard that the Town of Plattsburgh is worried that they may not be able to afford enough salt for this winter because of the increase in prices... I seem to remember hearing a couple months ago that the City of Plattsburgh decided to purchase salt early because within the week it was expected that Salt prices would increase sharpley.  I am wondering why one governmental entity was privy to this increase and the other was not... actually I wonder why I was aware of the increase (thanks to WPTZ and or the Press Republican) and yet the town sat idley by?  I do not live in the town, if I did I would be very upset that well... they baisically waisted tax payer money by waiting until now to purchase salt.

Tim,

I am glad I wasn't the only one who saw this! I agree with you as of now, but we have to see what the City says about their salt. I am not 100% sure, and correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think the City ran out of salt last year. They just used sand more to save the salt for really bad storms. The guy from the town said to be prepared for a bad winter driving wise because of the salt prices.

Here is the story for all of those interested.

http://www.wptz.com/news/17532387/detail.html

I Seem to have read somewhere that only New England uses salt - the Upper Mid-West states don't - are there alternatives - what do they use in Minnesota - North Dakota etc?

Not sure if it is still true or not but I remember outside of Plattsburgh (in the Adirondacks) they would use sand because of the damage the salt can cause to the ground/plants/animals.

Sand is much better for our environment.

It is true that the run off is not good but they make eco friendly road salt now. A lot of areas use salt, not just the North Country. Like it or not salt is the best way to beat the elements on the road!