Snow Removal Businesses Hurting Due To Mild Winter
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We've had one of the mildest winters in years, which is great news for area departments of transportation but hard on the snow removal business.
"Last year, we were hustling. We were busy, we had a lot of snow," says Vincent Douglas, who owns Dependable Snow Removal based in Center City.
He says he invested heavily in his snow removal business after last year's windfall, but is now feeling the heat of the mild weather.
"It's probably going to take us a few more seasons to recoup some of our investments," Douglas adds.
But Douglas has a diverse business; he also hauls concrete, so he says they'll survive.
PennDOT spokesman Charles Metger says his department has only spent $6.8 million of its $31 million winter weather budget. He says the extra cash will go to road repairs, "which would include filling potholes, resurfacing more miles of highway, also replacing current ADA ramps along the highways."
But Metzger says the winter is still here, so PennDOT will remain ready in case Mother Nature throws a curve ball.
"The winter officially ends March 21st, but we have gotten snow in April."
