BILL NUMBER: S9922
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the transportation law, in relation to imposing certain
requirements for the distribution of road salt
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to establish uniform standards for the
application, calibration, and public reporting of road salt use in order
to improve winter maintenance practices, reduce waste, and minimize
environmental impacts. -
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill adds a new section 23 to the transportation law
to prohibit the Department of Transportation, municipalities, locali-
ties, and public authorities from spreading road salt at a rate higher
than three hundred pounds per lane mile on average during each snow and
ice management season.
It sets limits for parking lots and sidewalks at 4.7 pounds per one
thousand square feet.
It further requires that all road salt equipment be metered and cali-
brated and directs the department to publish annual data on its website
regarding road salt usage. Section two provides for an immediate effec-
tive date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Road salt is an essential tool for winter safety, but excessive applica-
tion can create unnecessary costs and significant harm to waterways,
soils, vegetation, and drinking water supplies. In many cases, more salt
is applied than necessary due to outdated practices or uncalibrated
equipment. Establishing clear statewide standards for application rates
and requiring properly calibrated equipment will promote efficient use
while maintaining roadway safety. Public reporting of salt usage will
improve transparency, accountability, and the ability to evaluate best
practices over time.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill will have minimal fiscal impact on the State and local govern-
ments. There may be minimal administrative costs associated with equip-
ment calibration and annual reporting. However, these costs are expected
to be offset by savings from reduced salt purchases, more efficient
application practices, and lower environmental remediation costs over
time.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.