New Albany Street Department crews and snow removal equipment are prepared for winter weather, New Albany Mayor Doug England announced today.

“All trucks and other necessary equipment used in snow emergency situations are primed and ready,” England said. “We want citizens to know that despite ongoing budgetary concerns, we will leave no stone unturned in keeping our city’s roads in the best possible shape.”

Main roads, thoroughfares and hills will first be targeted, according to England. Then, as weather allows, crews will move to secondary roads and then residential areas.

“Our first priority is to clear heavily trafficked roads for emergency services,” England said, noting the city has five trucks equipped with plows. “After that, and depending on accumulation and ongoing weather, we’ll move to lesser traveled streets.”

Citing safety concerns, England said snow plows will continue to be manned by two public works employees.

“Safety comes first – both for city employees and the citizens we serve,” he added. “Budgetary issues often greatly affect our plans and projects; however, we cannot allow it to affect our ability to keep our city and citizens safe.”

The New Albany City Council appropriated $10,000 in November for repairs and improvements to equipment needed for winter storm response.