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Grace Crunican, Director

News Release

Greg Nickels, Mayor

Contact: Rick Sheridan, 206.684.8540

For Immediate Release


October 6, 2009

City Debuts New Snow Plan for Seattle


Applies national best practices, hires new Street Maintenance director
SEATTLE – The city of Seattle today announced the completion of a comprehensive effort to revamp
and upgrade its winter storm readiness and response plan. In addition, the Seattle Department of
Transportation (SDOT) welcomes aboard Monty Sedlak as the new director of Street Maintenance.

“Based on nationwide best practices, our new plan will ensure Seattle is ready for any kind of winter
storm,” said SDOT Director Grace Crunican. “With an aggressive, high-tech oriented approach and new
leadership, SDOT will keep people and goods moving in Seattle during challenging winter weather.”

Plan highlights include:


• A new approach to snow that includes an expanded use of salt brine and salt, and limited use of sand;
• Significant improvements to facilities and fleet to include GPS technology and weather awareness;
• An improved organizational structure and significant training for winter storms;
• A commitment to better communicate with the people of Seattle and agency partners; and
• Performance measures to objectively evaluate accomplishments.

Designed in consultation with King County Metro Transit, city agencies and other key partners, the plan
will facilitate a coordinated response that keeps buses moving and critical institutions accessible,
including hospitals. Businesses and residents are reminded of their obligation to shovel sidewalks near
their properties.

Mr. Sedlak, formerly the Road and Bridge Division manager for Arapahoe County, Colo., possesses
significant winter storm experience and will be a key leader in applying SDOT’s new snow response
procedures as of October 26. To learn more about the plan and the new snow map, visit
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/winterweather.htm.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion
transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department
manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect
the city with the region.
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Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3900, PO Box 34996, Seattle WA 98124-4996
Tel: (206) 684-ROAD (684-7623), Internet Address: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation
An equal employment opportunity employer. Accommodations for people with disabilities provided on request.

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