Road Salt Reduction Grants Available

As you know, in the last decade or so, the EMC has worked to promote reducing road salt use while keeping roads safe in winter. One of the impediments to implementing best management practices to reduce road salt is the upfront cost of new equipment. For the first time, NY is offering grants to municipalities to help offset these costs. The grants fall under the NYS DEC Water Quality Improvement Program. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024. The grants require 25% matching costs.

Road Salt – Climate Smart Rhinebeck

What is salt brine? Salt brine is a solution of salt (sodium chloride, or NaCl) and water. It has a much lower freezing point than freshwater, and is a useful tool in reducing the adhesion of snow and ice to road surfaces. While some brine cocktails are exclusively saltwater, some include calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. See link for more detail.