Fung Passes Some Road Salt to Tavares

Though they may be political rivals and both want to be governor, Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung and Providence Mayor Angel Tavares are longtime friends. 

And when it comes to public safety, friends help each other, especially when it comes to scarce salt supplies.

Fung has agreed to loan Providence 20 tons of salt in the event Providence runs out of their own supply, said Cranston's Chief of Staff Carlos Lopez.

"The salt loan will not affect the city of Cranston's ability to conduct normal plowing operations for the upcoming storm," Lopez noted.

The city's Department of Public Works has already conducted preparations in advance of the storm, Lopez said, "and is ready for whatever challenges may arise from this winter event."

Meanwhile, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and the state Department of Transportation announced on Saturday that Rhode Island did receive a delivery of road salt from supplier International Salt and shipments from New Haven, Conn., started arriving in DOT facilities this afternoon.

A severe salt shortage had officials scrambling late last week to warn motorists that conditions could be especially dangerous over the weekend and on Monday, when another threat of snow is forecasted. This infusion of salt over the weekend eases matters, but the state is still below normal operating levels.

A larger shipment of salt is scheduled to be in the state on March 6.

"With Rhode Island expected to receive a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, Rhode Islanders need to use caution," Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. "Try and avoid travel, and give our crews the time they need to clear the roads."

For more information, visit: http://www.riema.ri.gov, http://www.dot.ri.gov