|
Tomorrow, Commissioners are expected to unanimously approve a resolution that will authorize the Franklin County Engineer to enter into agreements to pay local farmers living along County roadways for leaving cornstalks standing—creating natural snow fences.
For the past seven winter seasons, County Engineer Dean Ringle’s office has initiated this program to naturally minimize snow-drifting along County roadways, in addition to the installation and removal of several miles of man-made snow fence.
Farmers are reimbursed at a rate of $50 per acre for leaving their cornstalks standing. The cost of cornstalks per linear foot along roadways is, along with being more environmentally savvy, cheaper than the manual method of erecting and removing snow fence.
Commission President Mary Jo Kilroy said, “By helping farmers this way, we will be keeping roads safer and lowering our fuel consumption.”
“I am happy family farms and our environment both benefit,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “Reducing the use of harsh chemicals and salt is a proactive step toward a greener Franklin County.”
“This program is great on many fronts… financially, environmentally, and public safety.” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “I would like to thank those farmers who are participating in this program.”
There is enough funding set aside to pay for over 27 miles of County roadways to be ‘protected’ from snow-drifting by the cornstalks—saving fuel costs, road treatment supplies and overtime for drivers.
Franklin County Engineer Dean Ringle said, “Adding over 27 miles of natural snow fence keeps our crews from having to continually return to these sections of roadways to plow back drifting snow.”
|
