Winter Storm May Cost Michigan $250 Million
DETROIT (WWJ) Despite the complaints that the snow storm was overhyped, one firm is estimating that it cost Michigan more than a quarter of a billion dollars.
Boston-based IHS Global Insight claims the flight cancellations and business closures lost the state about 251-million dollars.
The Grand Rapids Press spoke with, Greg Cohen, president of the American Highway Users Alliance, which commissioned the study. "The shocking losses estimated by this study should light a fire under state and local authorities nationwide to get serious about investing in quicker and more effective snow and ice removal."
"When roads are left unsafe or impassable, it is more than a public safety issue - it's like money being thrown down the drain," Cohen added.
The cost of the snow storm impact estimated for New York State came in at about 700-million dollars.
The firm claims the biggest impact was on hourly workers.