The Buy American Road Salt Act: A Costly Misstep for New York Taxpayers in 2025

In the face of rising living costs, persistent inflation, and economic pressures, New Yorkers are grappling with yet another financial burden in 2025—one tied to an essential winter resource: road salt. The Buy American Road Salt Act, passed in 2022, was heralded as a patriotic initiative to support domestic industries and local jobs. However, its implementation has revealed significant flaws, leading to road salt shortages, skyrocketing costs, and strained municipal budgets. This blog post delves into the origins, impacts, and broader implications of this legislation, exploring how a well-intentioned policy has inadvertently placed a heavy financial toll on taxpayers and municipalities across New York State.

The Genesis of the Buy American Road Salt Act

In December 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Buy American Road Salt Act (Senate Bill S9441/A.7919-A) into law, a move celebrated by proponents as a step toward bolstering American jobs and the state’s economy. The legislation mandated that all rock salt or sodium chloride used in government contracts within New York be mined or hand-harvested in the United States. The rationale was straightforward: support domestic industries, particularly New York’s own salt mines, such as American Rock Salt in Livingston County and Cargill’s Cayuga Salt Mine in Tompkins County, which together employ hundreds of workers and contribute significantly to local economies.

The act was backed by bipartisan support and labor unions, including the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 763, who argued that it would protect jobs and reinvest taxpayer dollars into American communities. At the time, Governor Hochul emphasized, “With the Buy American Salt Act, we are helping State and local governments purchase salt that comes from mines based in the United States—some right here in New York. This is an important step to support good-paying jobs in our upstate communities while growing New York’s economy.” The bill also highlighted that each ton of salt produced in New York generates an estimated $3.00 in tax revenue, reinforcing its economic promise.

However, the legislation’s focus on domestic sourcing came with unintended consequences. By limiting municipalities to American-mined salt, the act reduced competition, increased costs, and strained supply chains, particularly during the harsh winter of 2024-2025. These issues culminated in a crisis that left New Yorkers facing road salt shortages and municipalities scrambling to secure emergency supplies at exorbitant prices.

The Impact on Municipal Budgets and Taxpayers

The Buy American Road Salt Act has had a profound impact on New York’s municipalities, forcing them to navigate a landscape of limited suppliers and inflated costs. The legislation allowed municipalities to accept bids from American salt producers even if they were up to 10% higher than foreign bids, a provision intended to prioritize domestic industry. However, this flexibility came at a steep price, as municipalities found themselves locked into contracts with suppliers like American Rock Salt, which struggled to meet the state’s demand.

Skyrocketing Costs for Road Salt

The financial burden of the act became painfully evident during the winter of 2024-2025, when persistent snow and ice events overwhelmed New York’s salt supply. For example, the town of Clarence, New York, typically reserves 6,000 tons of salt per winter season at a cost of approximately $45 per ton, equating to $270,000 annually. However, due to shortages, Clarence was forced to procure salt from out-of-state suppliers at $110 per ton—a 144% price increase. If the town had to purchase its entire reserve at this rate, the cost would balloon to $660,000, severely straining its budget.

This price surge was not unique to Clarence. Across the state, municipalities faced similar challenges, with emergency purchases becoming a necessity. The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) reported procuring 60,000 tons of emergency salt supplies in early 2025, though the total cost remains undisclosed as expenditures are still being reconciled. Emergency purchases, by their nature, are significantly more expensive than planned procurements, further exacerbating the financial strain on local governments.

To illustrate the scale of the cost increase, consider the following table comparing typical and emergency salt prices:

These figures highlight the significant financial impact on municipalities of all sizes, with smaller communities facing the greatest proportional burden due to limited budgets.

Strain on Municipal Budgets

The increased cost of road salt has ripple effects across municipal budgets, forcing local governments to reallocate funds from other essential services. For instance, Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin noted, “You can’t just have one supplier for [road salt], and that just caused a real burden for all of us.” This reliance on a single supplier, American Rock Salt, led to widespread shortages, compelling counties like Rensselaer to seek alternative sources at premium prices.

Municipalities with limited storage capacity were particularly vulnerable. In Rockland County, highway officials expressed concerns about running out of salt during prolonged storms, as smaller municipalities often rely on larger counties for emergency supplies. When shortages hit, these communities were forced to compete for limited resources, driving costs even higher. The New York State County Highway Superintendents’ Association warned that the act could “jeopardize the ability to rapidly re-supply when necessary,” a prediction that proved accurate during the 2025 winter season.

The Role of American Rock Salt and Supply Chain Challenges

At the heart of the crisis is American Rock Salt, the largest salt mine in the United States, located in Livingston County, New York. Employing over 400 workers, the company produces 4 million tons of salt annually and is a critical supplier for many of New York’s municipalities. However, the Buy American Road Salt Act led approximately half of New York’s counties to contract with American Rock Salt, overwhelming its production and distribution capabilities.

The company acknowledged the strain in a February 2025 statement, noting, “American Rock Salt has been working diligently to meet the demand from local government customers across New York State for salt supply. We realize some municipalities are concerned about supply and we understand the frustration associated with this very difficult winter stressing our supply chain.” Despite efforts to increase production, including opening reserve stockpiles and purchasing new equipment, the company could not keep up with the historic demand driven by frequent snow and ice events.

The reliance on a single supplier highlighted the risks of the act’s restrictive sourcing requirements. In contrast, foreign suppliers, such as those in Canada, Egypt, Morocco, and Chile, previously offered competitive pricing and reliable supply chains. By limiting municipalities to American-mined salt, the act reduced competition, leading to bottlenecks and shortages.

Governor Hochul’s Executive Order and Emergency Measures

As the road salt shortages reached critical levels in early 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul took decisive action to mitigate the crisis. On February 7, 2025, she issued Executive Order No. 45, declaring a State Disaster Emergency effective through February 14, 2025. The order addressed the imminent threat posed by a winter storm system expected to bring significant snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, which would exacerbate the salt shortage and complicate road-clearing efforts.

The executive order temporarily suspended several state laws to facilitate emergency responses, including:

• Section 162-A of the State Finance Law, allowing the purchase of rock salt or sodium chloride without standard procurement processes.
• Section 163 of the State Finance Law, enabling rapid acquisition of commodities and services.
• Section 97-G of the State Finance Law, permitting the purchase of supplies and equipment to assist affected local governments.

Additionally, Hochul suspended hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers, allowing them to work longer hours to deliver salt to affected areas. This measure aimed to address delivery delays, as evidenced by reports of over 150 trucks lining up at American Rock Salt’s facility in Ontario County. The Office of General Services also assisted municipalities with delivery issues, but the reliance on emergency purchases underscored the act’s shortcomings.

The Broader Implications of Isolationist Policies

The Buy American Road Salt Act is part of a broader trend toward isolationist policies, which prioritize domestic production but often overlook logistical and economic realities. Similar to federal tariffs proposed in 2025, which aim to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. but risk increasing consumer prices, the act has placed the financial burden on taxpayers. By limiting supplier options, the legislation mirrors the effects of tariffs, reducing competition and driving up costs.

Critics argue that the act’s focus on American-mined salt ignored the global nature of the salt market. Foreign suppliers, particularly from Canada, have historically provided cost-effective and reliable salt to New York, especially for downstate regions like New York City, which relies heavily on imported salt delivered by barge. The New York City Department of Sanitation, led by Commissioner Jessica Tisch, initially opposed the bill, warning that it could add $5 million to $10 million to the city’s salt budget and risk shortages during snowstorms. Tisch’s concerns were partially addressed through amendments allowing municipalities to purchase foreign salt if domestic supplies were insufficient or unreasonably costly, but these provisions proved inadequate during the 2025 crisis.

The act’s impact extends beyond immediate costs. Municipalities facing budget shortfalls may be forced to cut services, raise taxes, or delay infrastructure projects, all of which affect residents’ quality of life. For example, in Palmyra, New York, Highway Superintendent Mike Boesel expressed frustration over delayed deliveries and poor communication from American Rock Salt, highlighting the practical challenges of relying on a single supplier.

Proposed Solutions and Legislative Responses

The road salt shortages and rising costs have prompted calls for reform. Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski (R-Cheektowaga) introduced Bill A.5890, which would amend the Buy American Road Salt Act to allow municipalities to purchase salt from Canada. This proposal acknowledges the need for greater supplier flexibility, particularly given Canada’s proximity and reliable supply chain. However, passing the bill would require Democrats in the Assembly and Senate, as well as Governor Hochul, to admit the act’s flaws—a politically challenging prospect.

The New York State County Highway Superintendents’ Association, led by figures like Bruce Geiger, has also advocated for changes, emphasizing the need for competitive bidding and reliable supply chains. Geiger noted, “It really boils down to two things: We’re concerned about the increased cost, and we’re concerned that if you limit the number of suppliers, that we may have some problems getting supplies of road salt when we really need them at critical times during the winter.”

Alternative Suppliers and Community Solutions

In response to the shortages, some municipalities turned to alternative suppliers like Apalachee Salt, a Rochester-based company that imports salt from overseas. Josh Kowalski, Vice President of Sales at the Port of Coeymans, reported servicing up to 640 trucks daily, equivalent to 2,200 tons of salt, to meet demand. Apalachee opposed the Buy American Road Salt Act, arguing that it could harm New York’s economy by limiting access to cost-effective foreign salt. The company’s ability to step in during the crisis highlights the importance of maintaining diverse supplier options.

Communities also demonstrated resilience by sharing resources. In Jefferson County, Administrator Ryan Piche noted that towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent shared salt with harder-hit areas like Lorraine and Worth, showcasing the cooperative spirit that helped mitigate the crisis. However, such measures are not sustainable long-term solutions, as they rely on surplus supplies that may not always be available.

The Environmental and Safety Considerations

Beyond cost, the Buy American Road Salt Act raises environmental and safety concerns. Limiting suppliers to domestic mines increases the distance salt must be transported, particularly for downstate municipalities, leading to higher fuel surcharges and carbon emissions. For example, Chemung County reported paying $65.50 per ton plus a fuel surcharge, compared to $35-$39 per ton a decade ago, reflecting both market trends and the act’s impact.

From a safety perspective, road salt shortages pose significant risks to motorists. Inadequate salting can lead to icy roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Governor Hochul’s Executive Order No. 45 emphasized the “imminent danger to public transportation, utility service, public health, and public safety systems” posed by the shortages, underscoring the critical role of salt in maintaining safe roadways.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Economic Goals and Practical Needs

The Buy American Road Salt Act was enacted with noble intentions: to support American workers, boost local economies, and reinvest taxpayer dollars. However, its implementation has exposed the pitfalls of prioritizing ideology over practicality. The road salt shortages of 2025, coupled with significant cost increases, have highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to procurement policies.

Moving forward, New York lawmakers must consider several key steps:

1. Amend the Buy American Road Salt Act: Allowing municipalities to purchase from foreign suppliers, particularly those in Canada, would restore competition and ensure reliable supplies.
2. Enhance Supplier Communication: Municipalities like Palmyra have called for better communication from suppliers like American Rock Salt to prevent delays and ensure timely deliveries.
3. Invest in Storage Infrastructure: Increasing storage capacity in smaller municipalities could reduce reliance on emergency purchases and mitigate shortages.
4. Evaluate Cost-Benefit Trade-offs: Policymakers should assess the economic benefits of domestic sourcing against the financial burden on taxpayers, ensuring that policies do not disproportionately harm residents.

The Buy American Road Salt Act serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of protectionist policies. While supporting American industries is a worthy goal, it must not come at the expense of taxpayers or public safety. As New York navigates the aftermath of the 2025 winter, the lessons learned from this crisis will shape future procurement strategies and economic policies.

Disclaimer

The information presented in the article “The Buy American Road Salt Act: A Costly Misstep for New York Taxpayers in 2025” is based on publicly available data and reports as of May 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, the content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. The financial figures, such as road salt costs and municipal budget impacts, are estimates based on available sources and may vary as additional data is reconciled. Readers are encouraged to verify details with official sources and consult relevant authorities for specific guidance on local policies and regulations.

Acknowledgements

The creation of the article “The Buy American Road Salt Act: A Costly Misstep for New York Taxpayers in 2025” was made possible through the comprehensive information gathered from a wide array of reputable sources. These sources provided critical insights into the legislative details, economic impacts, and real-world consequences of the Buy American Road Salt Act. I extend my gratitude to the following organizations and outlets for their detailed reporting, data, and analysis, which enriched the depth and accuracy:

• CBS6 Albany (cbs6albany.com) for local reporting on the road salt shortages and municipal responses in Rensselaer County.
• New York State Government (ny.gov) for official documentation on the Buy American Road Salt Act and Governor Hochul’s executive orders.
• American Rock Salt (americanrocksalt.com) for statements regarding supply chain challenges and production efforts.
• Times Union (timesunion.com) for in-depth coverage of the salt shortage crisis and its impact on upstate New York.
• New York State Office of General Services (ogs.ny.gov) for procurement data and emergency response details.
• The Buffalo News (buffalonews.com) for reporting on the financial strain faced by Western New York municipalities like Clarence.
• Syracuse.com (syracuse.com) for insights into Central New York’s struggles with salt supply and costs.
• Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (democratandchronicle.com) for coverage of American Rock Salt’s operational challenges.
• Newsday (newsday.com) for analysis of the act’s impact on Long Island communities.
• New York Post (nypost.com) for commentary on the broader economic implications of the legislation.
• WKBW Buffalo (wkbw.com) for local perspectives on the shortage’s effects in Erie County.
• WROC Rochester (rochesterfirst.com) for reporting on alternative suppliers like Apalachee Salt.
• The Post-Standard (syracuse.com) for additional coverage of municipal budget concerns.
• Governing (governing.com) for analysis of state procurement policies and their impacts.
• Albany Business Review (bizjournals.com/albany) for economic insights into the act’s effects on New York businesses.
• New York State Association of Counties (nysac.org) for data on county-level responses to the salt crisis.
• Spectrum News (spectrumlocalnews.com) for statewide coverage of the winter 2025 shortages.
• Watertown Daily Times (watertowndailytimes.com) for reporting on Jefferson County’s community-driven solutions.
• The Ithaca Journal (ithacajournal.com) for insights into the Cayuga Salt Mine’s role in the crisis.
• North Country Public Radio (northcountrypublicradio.org) for coverage of rural New York’s challenges with salt supply.
• Legislative Gazette (legislativegazette.com) for detailed reporting on Bill A.5890 and proposed legislative reforms.
• City & State New York (cityandstateny.com) for political analysis of the act’s passage and backlash.
• Rockland County Times (rocklandcountytimes.com) for local perspectives on storage capacity issues.
• Daily Freeman (dailyfreeman.com) for reporting on Ulster County’s experience with the salt shortage.

These sources collectively provided a robust foundation for understanding the complexities of the Buy American Road Salt Act and its far-reaching consequences for New York taxpayers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is the Buy American Road Salt Act, and why was it introduced?

The Buy American Road Salt Act (Senate Bill S9441/A.7919-A), signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2022, mandates that all rock salt or sodium chloride used in New York State government contracts be mined or hand-harvested in the United States. The primary goal was to bolster domestic industries, particularly New York’s salt mines like American Rock Salt in Livingston County and Cargill’s Cayuga Salt Mine in Tompkins County, which employ hundreds and contribute significantly to local economies. Supporters, including labor unions like the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 763, argued that the act would protect American jobs and reinvest taxpayer dollars into local communities, with each ton of New York-produced salt generating an estimated $3.00 in tax revenue.

The legislation was part of a broader push to prioritize American-made products, aligning with national trends toward economic protectionism. Proponents believed it would strengthen the state’s economy by supporting domestic salt production, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and fostering job growth in upstate New York. However, the act’s restrictive sourcing requirements led to unintended consequences, such as road salt shortages and increased costs, which have significantly impacted municipalities and taxpayers.

FAQ 2: How has the Buy American Road Salt Act affected New York taxpayers in 2025?

The Buy American Road Salt Act has placed a significant financial burden on New York taxpayers in 2025 by driving up the cost of road salt and straining municipal budgets. The act limited municipalities to purchasing salt from American mines, which reduced competition and led to higher prices—sometimes 10% or more than foreign bids. For example, the town of Clarence, New York, typically budgets $270,000 for 6,000 tons of salt at $45 per ton. During the 2025 shortages, Clarence was forced to buy emergency salt at $110 per ton, a 144% increase, potentially raising costs to $660,000 for the season.

The ripple effects are substantial. Municipalities facing these increased costs may need to cut services, delay infrastructure projects, or raise local taxes, directly impacting residents. The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) procured 60,000 tons of emergency salt supplies in early 2025, but the total cost is still being reconciled, indicating a significant unplanned expenditure. These costs highlight how the act’s focus on domestic sourcing has inadvertently shifted the financial burden to taxpayers, exacerbating economic pressures amid inflation and rising living costs.

FAQ 3: Why did the Buy American Road Salt Act lead to road salt shortages in New York?

The road salt shortages in New York during the winter of 2024-2025 stemmed from the Buy American Road Salt Act’s restriction to American-mined salt, which overwhelmed domestic suppliers like American Rock Salt, the largest salt mine in the U.S. Approximately half of New York’s counties contracted with American Rock Salt, creating unprecedented demand that the company couldn’t meet, despite producing 4 million tons annually and employing over 400 workers. Frequent snow and ice events further strained the supply chain, leading to delays and shortages.

The act eliminated access to cost-effective foreign suppliers from countries like Canada, Egypt, Morocco, and Chile, which previously provided reliable and competitive salt supplies. For instance, New York City historically relied on imported salt delivered by barge, but the act’s restrictions limited supplier options. This lack of competition and over-reliance on a single supplier caused bottlenecks, forcing municipalities to seek emergency supplies at inflated prices, further exacerbating the crisis.

FAQ 4: How much more expensive has road salt become due to the Buy American Road Salt Act?

The Buy American Road Salt Act has significantly increased road salt costs for New York municipalities, with emergency purchases in 2025 costing up to 144% more than typical rates. For example, Clarence, New York, saw prices rise from $45 per ton to $110 per ton during the shortage, a stark increase that could raise their annual salt budget from $270,000 to $660,000 for 6,000 tons. Similarly, Chemung County reported paying $65.50 per ton plus fuel surcharges, compared to $35-$39 per ton a decade ago, reflecting both market trends and the act’s impact.

The following table illustrates the cost increases across different municipality sizes:

These figures underscore the financial strain on municipalities, particularly smaller ones with limited budgets, as they grapple with the act’s unintended consequences.

FAQ 5: What actions did Governor Kathy Hochul take to address the 2025 road salt shortages?

In response to the road salt shortages in early 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order No. 45 on February 7, 2025, declaring a State Disaster Emergency through February 14, 2025. The order addressed the threat posed by a severe winter storm system that exacerbated the shortage, endangering public safety due to icy roads. The executive order temporarily suspended several state laws to expedite emergency responses, including:

• Section 162-A of the State Finance Law, allowing purchases of rock salt without standard procurement processes.
• Section 163 of the State Finance Law, enabling rapid acquisition of commodities and services.
• Section 97-G of the State Finance Law, permitting the purchase of supplies to assist affected municipalities.

Hochul also suspended hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers, allowing extended work hours to deliver salt, as seen with over 150 trucks lining up at American Rock Salt’s facility in Ontario County. The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) facilitated emergency salt deliveries, procuring 60,000 tons to support municipalities facing shortages, particularly those under a state of emergency due to snow.

FAQ 6: How has American Rock Salt been affected by the Buy American Road Salt Act?

American Rock Salt, the largest salt mine in the U.S., located in Livingston County, New York, has been at the center of the Buy American Road Salt Act’s fallout. The act led roughly half of New York’s counties to contract with the company, overwhelming its production capacity of 4 million tons annually and its workforce of over 400 employees. Despite efforts to scale up production—such as opening reserve stockpiles and investing in new equipment—the company struggled to meet the historic demand driven by frequent snow and ice events in the 2024-2025 winter.

In a February 2025 statement, American Rock Salt acknowledged the strain, stating, “We realize some municipalities are concerned about supply and we understand the frustration associated with this very difficult winter stressing our supply chain.” The company’s inability to keep up with demand led to road salt shortages, forcing municipalities to seek emergency supplies at higher costs. The act’s restrictive sourcing requirements highlighted the risks of relying on a single supplier, underscoring the need for more diverse procurement options.

FAQ 7: What are the broader implications of the Buy American Road Salt Act for New York’s economy?

The Buy American Road Salt Act reflects a broader trend toward isolationist policies, which prioritize domestic production but often increase costs for consumers and taxpayers. By limiting municipalities to American-mined rock salt, the act reduced competition, leading to higher prices and supply chain vulnerabilities. This mirrors the effects of proposed 2025 federal tariffs, which aim to boost U.S. manufacturing but risk raising consumer prices. The act’s impact extends beyond immediate costs, as municipalities facing budget shortfalls may cut services, raise taxes, or delay infrastructure projects, affecting residents’ quality of life.

For example, New York City’s Department of Sanitation warned that the act could add $5 million to $10 million to its salt budget, straining resources for a city that relies heavily on imported salt. Smaller municipalities, like Palmyra, New York, reported delays and poor communication from suppliers, further complicating budget planning. The act’s focus on domestic sourcing also increased transportation costs and carbon emissions, as salt had to be shipped from farther distances, adding fuel surcharges to municipal expenses.

FAQ 8: Are there any proposed legislative changes to address the issues caused by the Buy American Road Salt Act?

In response to the road salt shortages and rising costs, Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski (R-Cheektowaga) introduced Bill A.5890, which proposes amending the Buy American Road Salt Act to allow municipalities to purchase salt from Canada. This change aims to restore competition and ensure reliable supplies, given Canada’s proximity and history of cost-effective salt exports to New York. The bill has garnered support from the New York State County Highway Superintendents’ Association, which emphasized the need for competitive bidding to avoid future shortages and cost spikes.

However, passing the bill faces political challenges, as it requires Democrats in the Assembly and Senate, as well as Governor Hochul, to acknowledge the act’s flaws. Critics argue that the original legislation’s exemptions—allowing foreign salt purchases if domestic supplies are insufficient or too costly—were inadequate, as demonstrated by the 2025 crisis. Ongoing discussions focus on balancing economic protectionism with practical procurement strategies to protect taxpayers and ensure public safety.

FAQ 9: How have New York communities responded to the road salt shortages?

New York communities have shown resilience in addressing the road salt shortages caused by the Buy American Road Salt Act. In Jefferson County, for example, towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent shared salt with harder-hit areas like Lorraine and Worth, demonstrating a cooperative spirit to mitigate the crisis. However, such measures are not sustainable long-term, as they depend on surplus supplies that may not always be available.

Some municipalities turned to alternative suppliers, such as Apalachee Salt, a Rochester-based company importing salt from overseas. At the Port of Coeymans, Apalachee serviced up to 640 trucks daily, equivalent to 2,200 tons of salt, to meet demand. These efforts highlight the importance of diverse supplier options, which the act restricted. Additionally, highway officials in Rockland County and elsewhere have called for increased storage capacity to reduce reliance on emergency purchases, though funding such infrastructure upgrades remains a challenge amid strained budgets.

FAQ 10: What are the environmental and safety concerns associated with the Buy American Road Salt Act?

The Buy American Road Salt Act has raised significant environmental and safety concerns. Environmentally, the act’s restriction to domestic mines increased transportation distances for rock salt, particularly for downstate municipalities like New York City, leading to higher fuel surcharges and carbon emissions. For instance, Chemung County reported paying $65.50 per ton plus fuel surcharges, compared to $35-$39 per ton a decade ago, partly due to longer shipping routes.

From a safety perspective, road salt shortages endangered motorists by limiting municipalities’ ability to keep roads clear of ice and snow. Inadequate salting increases the risk of accidents, as highlighted by Governor Hochul’s Executive Order No. 45, which noted the “imminent danger to public transportation, utility service, public health, and public safety systems” caused by the shortages. The act’s impact on supply reliability underscores the need for flexible procurement policies to ensure safe roadways during New York’s harsh winters.