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Grand Rapids showcases new public works facility at 1500 Scribner, highlights salt dome and winter readiness
Summary
City Manager Mark Washington, Public Works Director John Gorney and Emergency Manager Benjamin Rance toured the new public works facility at 1500 Scribner, describing a fleet valued at more than $23,000,000, more than 200 pieces of equipment, and a 7,700-ton salt dome while urging residents to prepare for winter.
Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington and Public Works Director John Gorney showcased the city's new public works facility at 1500 Scribner and described the city's winter readiness measures while Emergency Manager Benjamin Rance urged residents to stock emergency supplies.
Mark Washington, the city manager, said the old public works site at 201 Market was sold and is now the site of the Acro Street Amphitheatre, and that "we were able to use some of the proceeds from the sale to help finance, this construction as well as deposit in affordable housing fund." Washington added the move was driven by operational need, saying the city "actually needed a new public works facility."
John Gorney, public works director, described the facility's fleet and equipment. "We're well over 200 pieces of equipment in total," he said. Washington noted the value of the fleet, saying the city has "over 23,000,000 in equipment," and officials said more than 200 employees from multiple departments coordinate use of that equipment for emergency response and winter maintenance.
Gorney reviewed features on the newest truck addition, saying it has "the ability to have 3 separate plows going on this truck at 1 time. We can track all of our salt usage. We have liquid calcium chloride that we use on this truck. We have the ability in the back of the truck to put salt in specific lanes." He also noted the trucks have cameras.
Officials pointed to a new salt dome on the property. Gorney said the dome will hold 7,700 tons of salt, "which is not quite our seasonal average," and described a conveyor system that lifts delivered salt to the center of the dome and allows continuous feeding throughout the winter.
Benjamin Rance, emergency manager, advised residents to prepare for winter by keeping emergency supplies at home and in vehicles and said the city is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and the communications department to distribute driving tips and locations for potential warming centers if temperatures fall low enough. "Ensure that you have those emergency supplies in your vehicle," Rance said.
Officials closed the tour by reiterating that the city is preparing for winter operations and that the new facility centralizes equipment and storage at 1500 Scribner while providing local access to salt and fleet maintenance.
