The advent of the Christmas season brings two key holiday elements to mind: snow, and the diligent removal of it.

Funds allocated for snow removal are an important facet of the NIU Grounds Department budget, and distribution depends on snowfall amount and frequency, said NIU Projects Manager Conrad Miller.

“Our first priority, simply because of safety, is clearing the fire lanes,” Miller said.

After initial safety areas have been cleared, then snow crews take to the streets where about two to three miles of snow removal is implemented campus-wide.

However, certain climatic circumstances warrant NIU to employ the services of private maintenance contractors.

“Because of the quantity and timing of the snowfall, there are cases when we must go to private contractors who often have heavier equipment, more trucks, and a greater capability to remove heavy amounts of snow,” Miller said.

The snow removal funds are allocated from state appropriations and assisted with revenue bonds provided by the Parking Division. The parking funds are used in specific response to heavy snowfall on campus parking lots.

“I would strictly be guessing, but I’d say that we seek outside assistance to help in the snow removal about four or five times a year,” he said. “But this varies depending on snowfall from year to year.”

Miller justified the need for private assistance, saying “it makes it possible for us to provide the customer assistance the university and surrounding community deserves.”