POTSDAM – The Town of Potsdam will be getting a new dump truck and plow assembly thanks in part to $100,000 secured by state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, for the new equipment.

The town now has three trucks used in plowing snow, said Town of Potsdam Highway Superintendent John Keleher. But those plow trucks, which are from 1994, 1997 and 2000, need to be replaced, he said.

The one new truck is expected to cost about $178,000 with the amount over $100,000 to be covered by the town.

The equipment dealer has told Keleher that the deadline for submitting an order for a 2017 truck went by in August, but since they had sent the price quote to Keleher before then, the dealer will send a 2018 with all the model-year upgrades at no extra cost.

The town expects to receive the new plow this spring.

“When it comes to taking care of our streets during the winter, it is imperative that municipalities have the best equipment to do the job,” Sen. Griffo said.

“We need to make sure that we have the most up-to-date equipment when it comes to making sure our streets are clear and passable for motorists,” Keleher said. “This funding will help us to replace the oldest plow in our fleet and will give us a new resource that will help us to keep our streets safe and free of obstructions during the winter months. I would like to thank Sen. Griffo for securing this funding, which will help the residents of the Town of Potsdam and the surrounding communities.”

“This funding secured by Sen. Griffo will help us to purchase a new plow that will allow us to take better care of our roads during the winter months and will provide the town with a more modern piece of equipment to battle the snow and ice each year,” said Town of Potsdam Supervisor Rollin Beattie. “I would like to thank Superintendent Keleher for pursuing this funding and Sen. Griffo for securing it for us.”

“This funding will help provide the Town of Potsdam with a valuable tool that will help the town better maintain their roads and make sure that motorists and others are safe when they are out traveling during the winter,” Griffo said. “I know that this new plow will be beneficial for residents and visitors to the community and it was my pleasure to secure funding to help purchase it.”