ODOT deploys crews to help in New York after Christmas-weekend blizzard

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he has deployed ODOT crews to aid in emergency snow removal efforts in New York.

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“We are happy to help our neighbors in New York state and know that they would do the same for us in Ohio if the situation were reversed,” Governor DeWine said.

Following the Christmas-weekend blizzard, 28 ODOT workers, 12 tandem dump trucks, two utility mechanic trucks and four crew cab pick-up trucks have left for a six day deployment in New York, according to a release from a spokesperson with DeWine’s office.

The team of ODOT workers includes highway technicians, mechanics and managers from Akron, New Philadelphia and Cleveland, the spokesperson said.

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On Tuesday, the New York Emergency Management Agency made the request for personnel and equipment to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, the spokesperson said.

ODOT crews will be working two 12-hour shifts and return home to Ohio on Tuesday, Jan. 3rd., the spokesperson said.

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ODOT will maintain enough plows and drivers for winter operations in Ohio if necessary during the deployment, the spokesperson said.

“The men and women of ODOT are the best at what they do,” ODOT Director, Jack Marchbanks, said. “I know they’ll work hard to help our neighbors in New York. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans.”

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