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NEWS RELEASE

November 20, 2007

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Howard County Offers Residents Ability to Track County Snowplows

ELLICOTT CITY, MD –With winter weather just around the corner, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman would like to remind residents that while road travel during winter months can become quite difficult, help is just a click away.

To help residents keep track of road conditions, each County snow vehicle is equipped with a global positioning device which allows County residents to track real time progress of the vehicles during a snowstorm. By visiting the County’s homepage, www.howardcountymd.gov, and ‘clicking’ on the snowflake icon, residents can view which county roads have been serviced and how those roads have been treated. The snow tracker map shows the current location of plow vehicles, untreated roads, salted roads and plowed roads. Progress maps are updated every 15 minutes. Residents can also call 410-313-2900 for updated, general information concerning the County’s maintenance efforts.

To assist highway crews during a snowstorm, the Bureau of Highways reminds residents not to park on streets (especially not on cul-de-sacs) as that makes snow removal nearly impossible. The Bureau asks residents to park their vehicles in their driveways whenever possible. This allows police officers, firefighters and paramedic’s direct access to public safety tasks while driving in treacherous conditions and also leads to quick and more complete clearing of the roads. Finally, the Bureau recommends you to not shovel your sidewalk or driveway entrance until after your street has been completely plowed.

The County's snow plan covers more than 1,000 miles of a 3,800-road system which is divided into a series of routes. Primary and secondary roads receive the first service to ensure that public safety vehicles can provide service to citizens--then local residential roads are serviced. For further information please contact the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Highways at (410) 313-7450.