PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Public Services Director Michael Bobinsky told City Council on Monday night that crews have removed about 850,000 cubic yards of snow this winter. But he warned the city is running out of room to hold what has been plowed after receiving 50 inches of snow since Jan. 26.
“We are beginning to look at alternative sites,” Bobinsky said, adding he has spoken with four private property owners in case the rate of storms and snow accumulation continues.
The city recently spent about $50,000 on fuel and $100,000 on private contractors to help with snow removal, and Bobinsky has set up daily meetings with other department heads and city school staff to assess priorities for removing snow from about 540 miles of city streets and 100 miles of sidewalks.
City spokeswoman Jessica Grondin said Tuesday the $1.4 million allocated in the budget for snow removal essentially has been spent.