Despite Mild Winter, Must Snow Removal Money Gone

BALTIMORE (AP)- With mild weather and little snow this winter, Maryland residents might think the state is saving a bundle in snow removal costs.

In fact, the State Highway Administration says it has spent more than $30 million of its $36 million snow removal budget for this winter.

State highway crews have been called out 14 times this winter. Despite the fact that there have only been two or three times when salting or plowing was needed in the Baltimore area, crews must be ready for a storm even if the forecast changes.

SHA crews have also plowed seven feet of snow in western Maryland.