A state lawmaker wants to make sure local governments are protected financially from severe winter weather.
Above average snowfalls this winter have local governments scrambling, and State Representative Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) says some cities are feeling financial pressure from having to run plows more than expected.
Hebl wants to establish a state fund to help communities that are dealing with the costs of extra snow removal. Under the proposal, up to 50-thousand-dollars would be made available to local governments. Municipalities could only request money if snowfall for the year exceeds the region's five year average. The money would come out of the State Transportation Fund.
The Sun Prairie Democrat admits $50,000 may not go very far to help some of Wisconsin's largest cities, but it would be a major boon to many towns and villages that are struggling to keep up with heavy snow fall this winter.