Citation

Hanneman R. Am. City Cty. 2005; 120(4): 40-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Even though the United States Sunbelt cities usually receive less annual snow and ice than their northern counterparts, they still must be prepared for occasional winter storms. This article examines how many southern cities are investing in snowfighting technology and improving their techniques to keep roads as clear as possible and as fast as possible. Programs like the Local Technology Assistance Program (LTAP) centers, located in every state, provide technology transfer programs that cover all aspects of transportation operations, and their winter maintenance committee's goal is to improve snowfighter training opportunities. Communicating with the public creates trust and helps build patience and extend the grace period to complete snowfighting operations. The article provides an example of the Tennessee Department of Transportation's use of its Web site to explain its snow and ice removal policies. Advance planning for the inevitable, and rare, winterstorms will help the Sunbelt cities meet or exceed residents' expectations.