The city of Lexington did not refuse state help clearing its roads, Mayor Linda Gorton said today.
“I would never instruct any employee to refuse any kind of help from the state, especially help with clearing our roads,” Gorton said. Gorton has spoken with the Governor, and said, after talking with city employees involved in communicating with the state Department of Transportation, she believes it was a misunderstanding. The city did receive help from the state last week, and again this week.
Additionally, the city of Lexington did pre-treat its roads, beginning 72 hours before the snow event. “Pre-treating is a regular part of the way we operate. We did extensive pre-treating for this storm,” Gorton said.
“Even though we took several steps and invested in improving our response this year, including new equipment and hiring additional contractors, we were still not prepared to handle the thick coating of ice Lexington received, especially when it was coupled with extended cold.”
