EASTERN WASHINGTON — Have you ever wondered what the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) does during the winter if there isn’t much snow? We spoke with Mike Frucci, Assistant Regional Administrator for Eastern Washington with WSDOT, to find out.
The state provides WSDOT with funding in two-year cycles. The year 2026 marks the beginning of a new cycle, with $13.2 million allocated per fiscal year for winter operations. Frucci explained that although they are currently under budget for winter operations, the remaining months could change that.
If any funds remain unused this year, they will be rolled over into next year’s winter operations budget. After next winter, WSDOT may have the opportunity to tackle new projects.
“What they do beyond that is a lot of things that normally go undone during the winter…We might not have the time or resources to repair things that get hit, like guardrail and signs. We might not have resources to do litter pick up, you know, pavement patching,” Frucci said. “So, so all of those things are being done, during this mild winter.”
Frucci emphasized driver awareness, especially at night. Crews usually have flashing lights on their vehicles. Drivers are urged to watch for these lights and make sure to slow down if they see them.
