The cost of cleaning state roads in Hardin and 7 other nearby counties has more than doubled this year compared to last winter. A colder, snowier winter this year has cost the state more than $7 million since November compared to $3.7 million a year ago.

About twice as much salt has been spread and three times as much liquid de-icer has been used.  State trucks in the 8-county area have driven nearly 372,000 miles so far this winter to keep the roads as safe as possible.