Indiana communities run into higher salt prices

Communities across Indiana could have less money to pave roads and fill potholes because of rising road salt costs.

The cost of road salt has risen by up to 16 percent in some communities, the Daily Journal of Franklin reported. The higher costs are expected to quickly eat into street department budgets and could affect road repairs in the spring, especially if the winter is severe.

Officials say volatile gas prices, lower salt supplies because of last year's harsh winter and hurricane damage to salt mines in the Northeast have affected prices.

Greenwood will see a 16-percent increase in its salt costs. But street department director Greg Owens said the city will find ways to cut administrative expenses if needed to ensure it has the money to repair streets.