EATON RAPIDS, Mich — Relentless winter weather is keeping snow removal companies in Eaton Rapids busier than usual, with one local business owner reporting significant increases in demand for clearing roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
- Eaton Rapids snow removal companies are experiencing increased business due to abnormal winter weather conditions, with one local company reporting a 40% surge in demand
- Salt shortages are creating operational challenges for both private snow removal companies and public agencies, forcing businesses to pay premium prices while cities prioritize usage
- Despite supply challenges, local snow crews continue working daily to keep roads passable as residents navigate dangerous winter driving conditions
Nathan Brown, owner of Turf Jockeys, said this winter has been unlike previous years.
"What we're seeing this year is abnormal," Brown said. "We're up 40% across the board."
WATCH: Winter weather creates business surge for Eaton Rapids snow crews while salt supplies dwindle
While Brown's company has been able to meet the increased demand, the harsh conditions have created new challenges beyond just dealing with heavy snowfall. The company is facing a salt shortage that's forcing Brown to pay premium prices to keep operations running.
"It's going to affect us coming up with the salt shortage, because we've had to use most of our salt in the December months where usually it stretches us to the end of January to get us through February," Brown said.
Brown said his company allocated 200 tons of salt for this season based on previous years' usage patterns. To maintain competitive pricing, he's absorbing the higher costs of purchasing additional salt at premium rates.
Using more road salt isn't limited to private companies. MDOT spokesperson Aaron Jenkins confirmed state crews are also using more road salt than in recent years.
"We've used more road salt this year than in the last few years," Jenkins said.
MDOT says their road salt supply will last through the winter season.
The City of Eaton Rapids is also experiencing supply shortages. According to a city Facebook post, public works crews are prioritizing salt use on main intersections and high-traffic routes.
Local resident Jess Thompson has been navigating the challenging winter conditions firsthand.
"Well I can tell ya its slippery," Thompson said. "I had to go to Battle Creek the other day and I had two white outs on the way there and back a lot of cars in the ditch, a couple of them crashed."
Despite the supply challenges, Thompson praised the work of local snow removal crews.
"They've been working every day, trying to keep the roads passable," Thompson said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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