Following a request for assistance, Pennsylvania is sending snow-removal help to Rhode Island, to help them recover from the winter storm this past weekend.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is responding quickly with over 30 pieces of equipment and associated operators, mechanics, foremen, and managers from its Harrisburg, Clearfield, Indiana, and Uniontown-based regions. The PennDOT team members — including PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll — will assist with clearing and removing snow from various local government roadways in Rhode Island.
“The historic snowfall that hit much of New England is overwhelming hard-working road crews that have been working long and dangerous shifts,” said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield. “Getting snow cleared quickly is essential for people in that region to safely get back to their daily routines.”
With PennDOT work on state roads after the storm complete, and a warmer forecast on the way, Pennsylvania is in a good position to help its neighbors in the Northeast with their snowstorm recovery.
Deployed staff are expected to begin working with their counterparts in Rhode Island today, February 26, and their deployment is anticipated to last approximately eight days. All costs associated with the deployment are paid by the requesting state.
“With the latest storm dealt with and favorable weather this week, PennDOT is happy to help our colleagues as cleanup continues from the significant snowfall they experienced,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Interstate emergency collaboration is important, and I’m grateful to our team for their commitment and even more time away from families while they share their skills.”
PEMA Director Padfield is in touch with Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Director Marc Pappas. PEMA will remain in close contact with its counterparts in Rhode Island in the event additional assistance is needed.
