Brainerd drivers may be on a reduced sodium diet this winter.
There's a shortage of road salt, and it has city leaders looking into ways to extend the life of the supply, as well as searching for other suppliers.
The city was granted half its normal ration of salt - 125 tons, compared to the usual 250 tons - for the impending winter from its supplier because of the shortage.
And it's coming at a hefty price increase. It'll cost Brainerd $102 per ton, compared to the usual $75 per ton.
City Engineer Jeff Hulsether can remember. It's at least the first time in the 20 years the city has been getting salt from Duluth supplier North American Salt Company.
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Hulsether isn't sure how widespread the salt shortage is, but guesses the local impact is because of the shortened shipping season.
Last year's bitter cold winter froze over Lake Superior, shortening the shipping season for salt to be delivered to Duluth, he said. Barge traffic on the river was also restricted with high water levels.
Brainerd city leaders have turned to other salt suppliers, in hopes to find at least some of the 125 tons of needed salt.
"There aren't many. There's only two or three major suppliers," Hulsether said.
One of those suppliers has already said no, citing a shortage of salt and the city not being a current customer, he said.
Hulsether is waiting to hear back from the other options. He's also hoping North American Salt Company will be able to up the tonnage first quoted.
Even if North American Salt Company is able to provide the full 250 tons of salt, the price increase would mean about an extra $7,000 in expense over last year.
In the mean time, city officials are looking to make salt last longer, just in case, by testing out different sand/salt mixtures.
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Currently, the blend spread on roads is 20 percent salt and 80 percent sand.
"We're looking to reduce (the amount of salt), if possible, to make it last longer," Hulsether said.
How long 125 tons of salt will last is up to the severity of the winter, Hulsether said.
On extremely cold, icy years, the 250 tons runs out. On mild years, there's leftover salt.
Still, Hulsether is optimistic the city will find enough salt for the winter.
"I'm pretty confident that we'll get additional salt and we'll provide the same level of service as in the past," he said.
