SYRACUSE -- At the Syracuse Department of Public Works, a sign above one of the doors says it all.
"Through these doors pass the best snow fighters in the USA."
Commissioner Pete O'Connor said his workers take pride in their ability to keep the city's streets clear of snow and ice. And that's a good thing -- because Syracuse has seen more than 100 inches of snowfall this year.
This weekend, DPW crews were out in full force to clear the streets -- starting first with main routes, then hitting the lesser traveled roads.
O'Connor said his crews have a $4.5 million budget to clear snow and ice each season. At this point, he said the DPW is operating within its budget -- adding it's saved up a lot of money and cut back on overtime. However, O'Connor said the winter in Syracuse is far from over.
"I'm a little worried that by time we get to the end of winter, we could having to really have to take a look at it and see where we are -- and if we have to, we'll have to borrow money from other budget lines," O'Connor said. "But, we're going to definitely do whatever we need for snow removal and for salt to keep the roads safe for everybody in the city of Syracuse."
O'Connor said doing your part can go a long way in keeping the streets clear. He said following park signs is a big deal this time of year. When people park on both sides of the road, O'Connor said plow trucks can't fit down the street. O'Connor said you should also avoid tossing snow into the streets when you're shoveling your driveway or sidewalk.
