Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Snow Preparedness Event
As prepared
Good morning and thank you for joining us today!
Our team works very hard to prepare for winter weather, and you can get a picture of that today. Our salt barns are stocked, our fleet is well-maintained, and our staff is ready.
Last week, we held a mock snow event to test things out, and it went very well.
We focus on snow preparedness because clearing snow and ice is among the highest priorities for Montgomery County for myriad reasons:
First, it is a matter of health and safety. Clear roads and sidewalks enable people to get around the County safely. And, they enable people to access, and provide, needed medical care and emergency services.
Second, clear roads and sidewalks are important for our local economy and area household economies. Businesses need to open, and people need to get to work, so that everyone can keep their business ledgers and household budgets in balance.
Third, clear roads and sidewalks are important for education. We have very strong schools, colleges and universities in Montgomery County; and students and educators need to be able to commute to class.
Finally, clear roads and sidewalks are important for our enjoyment. We all need to be able to get out so we can see friends and family, exercise (beyond just shoveling), and get back to our normal routines after a weather event.
These are some of the main reasons we take so seriously our responsibility for clearing roads and sidewalks.
These efforts require a significant chunk of our County budget. As a rule of thumb, it costs about a million dollars to clean up an inch of snow.
So, you might understand why, when I see snow, I see bills falling from the sky - lots and lots of bills.
Every year, MCDOT continues to look for improvements and innovations to make our snow clearing operations better – and this year is no exception. We are implementing additional technology enhancements and equipment upgrades, which enhance our efficiency and reflect our continuing commitment to snow. You will hear more about those, today.
I want to take a moment to recognize and express my appreciation to the staff and contractors who work during winter weather events.
Many times, our snowplow operators, mechanics and engineers work round-the-clock shifts to get County roads and sidewalks cleared.
Our staff and contractors are out in some of the worst weather, at all hours, to help our residents, schools and businesses get back to normal routines.
Given our snow preparation efforts, our dedicated staff and contractors, and our recent technology and equipment upgrades, I am confident we are ready for the winter weather ahead of us.
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Release ID: 17-118
November 8; 10 a.m.