ELDRED -- Bids are being accepted until May 28 for construction of a new salt shed in the Town of Highland. According to Supervisor Jeff Haas, the salt shed, which will be located next to the town's new highway garage that's been occupied since the end of last year, will cost no more than $600,000.

Currently, over half the project is already funded by grants and lines in the town budget. The grants, specifically, include $156,000 from the state on a 75/25 matching grant (state pays 75 percent) and $125,000 from a Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) grant secured by NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. The structure will be made of wood with asphalt flooring.

Once bids close, the town will vet them, and according to Haas, construction would hopefully begin by the end of June.

The town previously had a salt operation at their old highway garage but it was deemed a hazard due to its proximity to the Halfway Brook and the state told them it was time to upgrade.

They've been using the county's salt shed, paying them for sand and salt for at least a decade, and Haas said they've had a positive relationship with the county.

However, he notes that there will be many benefits to the town having their own salt shed.

“We'll be totally self-sufficient,” Haas said, “and can shop around for the best price [for sand and salt]. It's just a better fit for us.”

By bidding for and mixing their own salt and sand, Haas estimates a savings of $20,000 per year. Additional benefits he mentioned include being able to maintain a winter supply of sand and salt that they'd keep covered in the shed and limiting wear and tear on their vehicles because they'd be able to load them with salt and sand as needed (previously they'd have to load vehicles the night before a storm, and leave that weight in it).

The new shed will be located away from the Halfway Brook and will be built “green,” which includes using LED lights.

“It's not just good for the town, but the environment as well,” said Haas.

Event changes

The town board made some event changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shred Day has been cancelled until further notice, the town clean up was moved to the fall and they announced the cancellation of this year's Memorial Day ceremonies.