As Pittsburgh crews struggle to plow and salt roads after a massive snowstorm, officials Thursday announced the PNC Foundation will give the city $2 million to buy new snow removal equipment.
The foundation’s contribution will fund 15 new vehicles this year for the city’s Department of Public Works, Mayor Corey O’Connor said in a statement.
“Last weekend’s storm was a powerful reminder of how essential it is for our city to be prepared for severe winter weather,” said William S. Demchak, chairman and CEO of PNC. “Pittsburgh deserves strong, reliable snow removal capabilities that keep our neighborhoods safe and our economy moving.”
About a foot of snow pummeled the region Sunday. Temperatures since then have not crept above freezing.
The city has reported dozens of snowplows breaking down while responding to the snow, though most of them have since returned to service.
O’Connor issued an emergency declaration to allow him to quickly call on outside contractors to help clear the streets and haul away snow, though some roads remained snowy and icy days later.
On Wednesday, O’Connor announced a $10 million gift from UPMC to purchase nine new ambulances and a rescue truck this year. The mayor said he anticipates purchasing a similar number of new EMS vehicles next year, too.
That will allow the city to shift taxpayer funds to buying about 35 more plows instead of ambulances, O’Connor said.
City officials for years have said Pittsburgh’s aging vehicle fleet is in dire need of upgrades.
“Our DPW (Department of Public Works) crews work hard and around the clock after snow events and, thanks to our local partnerships like this, will now have over 50 new pieces of reliable equipment,” O’Connor said in a statement Thursday. “This kind of investment from PNC shows that we’re all in this together and invested in the safety of our crews and our communities.”