The New Milford Department of Public Works has purchased a brine machine.  This will allow the Department to pre-treat the roads during winter storm events.  Mayor Pete Bass says it's an important snow-fighting strategy used in anticipation of storms when accumulating ice or snow is predicted.

If brine is applied before a winter storm, Bass says salt brine will begin working as soon as the first snowflake falls.  He adds that anti-icing returns street surfaces back to normal faster, resulting in fewer accidents and delays.  Bass says this will save the department time and money, making government operations more efficient. 

Bass says another benefit is that brine is more efficient than salt, which means there will be less cost to the municipality.  He noted that brine doesn’t bounce or blow of the road surface so the salt residue stays on the road, ready to work when precipitation begins.  It's also better for the environment. 

New Milford plans to sell excess brine to both other municipalities and contractors to help pay for the cost of the brine machine.