WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The third major winter storm in less than two weeks will use up the rest of the state Department of Transportation’s budget for snow removal and nearly the entire salt stockpile.

Agency Director Michael Lewis says his department budgeted $14 million for winter storms based on a five-year average. He says that figure will be met with the cleanup from Monday’s storm.

Lewis says he will first try to cover any additional costs within the department’s overall budget.

The department’s facilities can hold 30,000 to 40,000 tons of salt. Lewis says that’s usually the equivalent of about three good-sized storms. He says they have enough salt for this storm and for emergencies.

He says ships carrying tons of salt are headed to Rhode Island and should arrive this week.