Marie Samaha

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 (estimated at $4 million annually) to 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.