12/11/09 - Livingston County got its first dose of winter weather this week. Attempts to keep roads clear of snow and ice in recent years have been mired by high fuel prices and shortages in salt supplies. Livingston County roads can take more than 5,000 tons of salt in a single month, and in the last few years the Road Commission has been experimenting with a liquid salt brine system to reduce costs. In January of 2009, nearly $50,000 was spent on road salt in a single 10-day period during times of inflated prices. Managing Director of the Livingston County Road Commission Mike Craine tells WHMI that overall the salt situation is pretty good this year and they have a good supply of fuel, salt and de-icing sand. He says its still an expensive venture and they'll be mindful of the amount they put down because they can't afford to be over-salting. (JM)