The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Highway Department’s sand-salt storage structure will be undergoing significant repairs this summer. On April 25^th, the Town Board approved purchase of 20 steel replacement uprights from Jeffords Steel of Plattsburgh at a cost of $12,981. At its May 10^th meeting the Board approved purchase of a new fabric cover from Hybrid Building Solutions of Clarence Center, NY at a cost of $25,819.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the existing structure has lasted about 16-17 years; however, salt has gradually deteriorated several uprights and the fabric top is ripped at the front and other parts of the structure.

In the future the sand-salt mixture will not be allowed to come in contact with the steel uprights which extend about 10 feet upward from the concrete foundation. Farrell said, “The building is designed to hold 5,000 yards. Any more than that will be stored outside.”

Farrell would have preferred to install a wood roof, but it was determined to be cost prohibitive. The new fabric roof is guaranteed for 15 years. Farrell hopes it will last at least 20 years.

The Peru Highway Department utilizes 5,000 to 6,000 yards of sand-salt mixture annually. A tandem truck typically carries 14 to 15 yards with salt constituting about 15% of the mixture. The department plows, sands and salts 82 miles of town highways and approximately 30 miles of Clinton County highways.