Connellsville declares a state of emergency with incoming snow storm
Officials in the city of Connellsville have declared a state of emergency to assist the public works department with snow removal.
“Currently the Public Works Department has multiple employees off on leave and this will assist the city in securing the necessary resources to combat the storm,” wrote Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln in a Sunday press release.
According to the National Weather Service out of Pittsburgh, a winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday with snow totals expecting to be between 3 and 6 inches with some light ice accumulation possible.
The National Weather Service added that travel could be very difficult at times with expected heavy snowfall.
The mayor said last week the city employees were expected to be out for two weeks. Citing HIPAA laws, he said he was unable to say what type of illness they had.
Lincoln said while neighboring municipalities are willing to assist with snow removal and did so during last week, the city can use liquid fuel money to contract a company for snow removal. To do so,聽they have to declare a state of emergency.
“The city assures its residents that the roads will be safe and appreciates their patience during this time,” Lincoln wrote.
Under the city’s emergency snow removal plan, Pittsburgh Street and Crawford Avenue will be maintained first, followed by side streets to those roadways. Officials have asked city residents to park on the odd-numbered side of the street to ensure plow trucks have room to get through.聽
Anyone who has called the public works department without a response is asked to call city hall with concerns at 724-628-2020, ext. 201.