N.J. snow removal costs beat record

    The Transportation Department spent a record $62 million keeping New Jersey’s roads clear of snow this past winter even though less snow fell.

    The money spent during the 2012-13 season eclipsed the $56 million spent during the 2010-11 winter.

     

    The state averaged 20.8 inches of snow this winter compared to 44.4 inches in 2010-11.

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    DOT spokesman Steve Schapiro tells The Star-Ledger of Newark the DOT responded to 37 events, including 24 that required a statewide mobilization.

    Officials say nearly half of the money spent involved the 1,700 contractors who help the DOT plow and spread salt. Their average pay increased from $137.62 per truck per hour to $172.15.

    The DOT spread nearly three times as much salt as last year.

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