Record-breaking winter storms ravaged the country between October and March. A study released Monday revealed just how deep states dug financially in keeping roadways drivable.
Twenty-three states spent $1 billion on plowing and salting icy roads during the six-month stretch, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. About six million tons of salt were used, along with large quantities of brine and liquid deicing chemicals which help salt stick to surfaces.
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts were among the hardest hit, spent a combined $426 million on winter maintenance. Bostonians shoveled through 108.6 inches of snow in what is being considered snowiest season on record.
"In January, we were talking about what we were going to do with the surplus snow and ice funds," said Thomas Tinlin, Massachusetts' highway administrator in speaking with the Associated Press. The state's department of transportation estimated to have spent $47 million over its annual budget.
Southern states often don't budget for winter storms, but freezing conditions forced many to allocate funds towards fixing potholes and paying field workers. Mississippi spent $3.1 million on securing road conditions, a large portion used on 887 tons of salt.
The 2014-15 winter also caused an overwhelming number of insurance claims in the first quarter of this year. Nationwide, about $2.3 billion is being spent on damages, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Insured storm losses costs about $2 million less than a year ago, but the sheer volume of claims hover near historic averages.
Last Friday, the Ohio Insurance Institute reported that Georgia, New Jersey, and Ohio accounted for the highest estimated insurance payouts in the United States. A Feb. 16-22 storm in the Buckeye State caused $40 million in in losses on its own.
Companies are continuously overlooking policies to adjust to changing landscapes and weather patterns. They're especially mindful of areas repeatedly hammered by blizzard-like weather.
Come next winter, homeowners may not garner much support if damages caused this time around aren't adequately repaired.
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