Staff file photo by Skip Lawrence Randy Houck, maintenance engineer at the State Highway Administration shop on Buckeystown Pike, talks about one of the SHA’s Oshkosh Snow Fighter trucks in December 2008.

Frederick County's Highway Operations department plans to pre-treat roads with their trucks once the season begins.

"We usually don't call contractors until we start getting a couple inches of snow," said Bill Routzahn, highway operations superintendent.

Materials, contractors and employee overtime is funded as part of the county's operating budget, along with a $1 million snow reserve fund, which Routzahn is hoping will not be needed.

More than $800,000 was approved by Frederick County Commissioners for salt, contractors, mills and other snow-related items.

A couple of years ago, Highway Operations began using a liquid spray on the salt to melt ice faster, Routzahn said. It allows the workers to use less salt and save money.

"With the cost of salt, we had to tighten our belts and watch the amount we put out," he said. "Any time you can save material, especially the cost, that helps save."

Statewide, the transportation trust fund finances snow removal, setting a $26 million budget for the 2009-2010 winter season.

Over the past 10 years, the Maryland State Highway Administration's winter expenditure ranged from $20 million to $73 million, with an average of about $44 million, including chemicals, gas and contractual crews.

SHA has 68 personnel in the Frederick shop and another 68 contractors available for snow removal in the county.

"Our No. 1 goal is keeping SHA roads clear and passable during winter storms," said David Buck, SHA spokesman.

Motorist expectations can often be high for SHA, which maintains all numbered routes, except in Frederick and other towns and municipalities that maintain their own roads.

"(We) require several hours after a storm has ended to complete operations," Buck said.

He said it is not reasonable for motorists to expect bare pavement with snow still falling.

"The men and women of SHA always have responsibility to be fiscally responsible -- not over-spending salt, using a balance of salt, salt brine, magnesium chloride, etc. -- while still keeping our roads as clear as possible," Buck said.

All interstates and primary state roads are considered snow emergency routes by the SHA. Once a snow emergency is declared by Maryland State Police and SHA, precautions are taken: Parking is prohibited on roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes and the use of snow tires and chains are encouraged.

How much snow will this season bring?

"I'm like everybody else: I don't know," Routzahn said.

He has heard reports there could be below-normal temperatures with normal levels of precipitation, which could mean more snow than rain.

"We've had a mild winter for so many years now, I just hope people don't let their guard down," Routzahn said.

"Be prepared," he added.