Nancy Walser

This fee/fund will support grants to municipalities, businesses, and the state for certified winter maintenance practices, helping them acquire equipment and follow best practices and sets penalties for noncompliance. Road salt runoff can contaminate groundwater and surface water, harming lakes, rivers, and aquatic ecosystems—including conditions that favor cyanobacteria blooms. The fee provides a dedicated funding source to help reduce salt pollution, improve public water protection, and support safer and more effective winter road maintenance. State and municipal costs are expected to be modest and partially offset by grant funding and more effective use of materials.