SALEM — With plowing season around the corner, Salem's Department of Public Works is short on contracted plow operators.

Earlier this fall, DPW Director Rick Russell sent letters to the 20 contractors the town hired to plow roads last year, along with 13 other contractors, to see who would be interested in working for the town this year.

The letter requested a response by Oct. 23. So far, the town has only heard back from 14 contractors, Russell said. The town pays between $55 and $95 per hour for contracted plow operators, depending on the equipment they use.

"With the economy the way it is, you'd think they would be banging down the door for work," Russell said.

Due to the shortage of operators, Russell said, he can't assign some of the plow routes yet.

The state has had trouble getting plowing help in past years, particularly near the Massachusetts border, Department of Transportation spokesman Bill Boynton said. Massachusetts and Bay State municipalities generally pay higher hourly rates than New Hampshire. But DOT changed its pay structure for contracted plow operators several years ago and now is more competitive with Massachusetts, he said.

"Historically, it's been a challenge along the Massachusetts state line, but we seem to be doing OK this year," Boynton said.

The state doesn't need any contractors, but it is looking for plowing help. DOT is hiring 40 highway maintenance workers to plow and maintain roads before the winter starts, Boynton said.

About 60 percent of the state's plowing fleet is contracted. In a big storm, as many as 700 vehicles can be out on state roads, keeping them clear, Boynton said.

Prepping for the plow season starts in the spring, when the state begins filling its salt sheds.

The state also builds its own plows during warmer months, Boynton said.

"We build plow trucks right from the chassis," he said.

State plows already have been needed in the northern part of the state on two occasions this fall, Boynton said.

Russell said he hopes he can have all his plow routes in order before snow starts to fall in the southern part of the state.

The town needs to have its plow routes ready to go by Nov. 15.

"We need them in place to get our snow plan ready," he said.

ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ

Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.