Snowy winter means Philadelphia needs $2 million more for salt

The Philadelphia Streets Department is asking for funds to help fight what’s left of winter weather. 

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson says the brutal winter has depleted the city’s salt supply and they need more immediately.

“We are requesting an additional $1.9 million in appropriations to purchase another 28,500 tons of salt.  Our salt levels have been dwindling very quickly because of the number of storms we have had. We have had 10 events and, as a result, our levels of salt, the inventory is now down to about 12,000 tons.”

Tolson says the city averages about 50,000 tons of salt a winter. This year,  they have already used 58,000 tons–including 10,000 tons just during the January 26th storm.  

The salt doesn’t go bad so whatever remains will be stored for next year.