Prince George's County vows operational fixes after widespread snow-removal and trash complaints

Prince George's County Council members on Jan. 21 heard repeated public complaints about missed plowing and delayed trash pickup after a prolonged winter storm, and Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) leaders acknowledged the department's response “fell short.”

In public comment, Juanita Williams of Upper Marlboro said she called 311 twice after the first snowfall and that "Kettering Drive was never shoveled until Friday night," despite a county website that indicated the street had already been plowed. Cynthia MacArthur Parker of Fort Washington told the council she could not get out of her driveway for days, that deliveries were canceled and that a snow plow "didn't come until 10 days later."

"Our snow response fell short of the high standards we strive to maintain as a department," Michael Johnson, DPW&T director, told the council. He said the storm's long duration and extended sub‑20°F temperatures reduced the effectiveness of ordinary road salt, complicated operations and turned packed snow into ice that required multiple passes and different pretreatment strategies.

DPW&T described a phased operating model that prioritizes…