City Finds a Salt Supplier Despite National Shortage

The City of Haysville, among the many communities feeling the effect
of a national salt shortage, was able to find a supplier with a sand and salt mixture. Last
week the City purchased 85 tons and is hopeful the product will last through the shortage.
This season has brought an extreme amount of ice storms through the Midwest. The
December ice storm and power outages to the Hutchinson area caused a delay in
production at Hutchinson Salt and ultimately contributed to the shortage. The
Department of Transportation has first priority on any supply available and just recently
salt was shipped out of Kansas in railcars to Iowa and South Dakota. Hutchinson
estimates it will be March or April before salt will be available to local municipalities
such as Haysville.
Public Works Director Randy Dorner stated “We monitor weather conditions at all times
and have personnel on call in the event of freezing weather or snow.” This year the City
has used 420 tons of a sand and salt mixture, along with one ton of calcium chloride, to
clear main roads; intersections; sidewalks; and specific areas of hazard. This is an
increase of 140 tons of mixture compared to typical usage. Dorner asks that citizens,
“Stay a safe distance from snow and ice equipment, use caution and drive safely.”