Video: Can WSDOT afford another harsh winter?

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SEATTLE - Tens of millions of dollars are spent during Northwest winters to keep roads clear, but last winter was so bad the state Department of Transportation is still in the hole.

Last winter, the state used 102,000 tons of salt and de-icing chemicals, more than double the normal amount. Avalanche control teams used nearly more than 11,500 pounds of explosives and 135 tank and Recoilless Rifle rounds. The cost of labor was an extra $4.2 million.

Dave McCormick, assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations, says if this winter is also bad, other maintenance items could be cut.

"Pavement maintenance, roadside maintenance, striping maintenance," he said. "The other things we do that are outside of snow and ice."

Where does the state stand? DOT budgeted about $35 and a third million for last winter, but went almost $12 million over.

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Department of Transportation officials clear the snow on Snoqualmie Pass in this file photo.

It received $5.25 million more to help cover the costs, but still needs another $6.5 million from the Legislature.

Two bad winters in a row seems unlikely. The best news would be a mild winter like in 2004-2005, with little snow. That could mean things would just work out on their own.

But they're planning for a normal winter, which means unless the Legislature steps in, they'll have to balance the budget somehow.