ODOT questions the dramatic rise of salt prices this winter

SALEM — Communities and motorists may be taking a slippery ride over high road salt prices this winter.

The Ohio Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a report on why salt prices shot up dramatically this fall.

Gov. Ted Strickland asked for information after the state and local communities saw “dramatic spikes” in the price of rock salt, ODOT said.

The agency said that salt prices statewide increased from 50 percent to 300 percent above last winter’s costs.

ODOT’s report blamed the high prices on a combination of historically bad weather, inflexible state contract specifications, and questionable bidding tactics as driving forces behind what it said was an unprecedented increase in salt prices.

Part of the report suggested the Ohio Attorney General’s office should look into the issue.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com