A much milder winter means lower costs for U.

This year, Mother Nature has treated the University kindly. Last year at this time, severe weather had closed the University an unprecedented four times and the Department of Physical Plant had spent over $100,000 in snow and ice removal and salt distribution. But so far this winter, classes have continued on schedule, and weather-related costs total approximately $6,000, Director of Physical Plant James Wargo said. As of February 24 last year, the University had seen day after day of snow and ice storms. Students were forced to ice skate down Locust Walk, and snow drifts continued to pile up on College Green. There was also an increase in the number of injuries on campus due to the weather. Extra costs due to last year's weather conditions included paying employees overtime and repairing pipes when they froze or burst, Wargo said. When the snow hit this year, Physical Plant employees said they were better prepared. According to Director of Environmental Service Norman O'Connor, the University had more equipment, a better salt supply and contractors prepared in advance, in case extra help was needed. In addition, this fall forecasters predicted that about 30 violent snow and ice storms would strike the East Coast. But so far, only one storm has hit the area, and in comparison to last year, the damage was minimal. Still, this year's sole snowstorm, which occurred in the beginning of this month, did not leave the University unscathed. "We had some impact this year," Wargo said. "But it really was not near what we had last year -- everything is much better than last winter." He said the milder weather also allows the Department of Facilities Management to continue working with on-going projects that are sometimes slowed by winter weather. Students are also finding this winter much easier than last. "I don't have to worry about killing myself biking," College sophomore Rachael Muecke said. "It would be nice to have a snow day here and there, but this is much easier." Muecke, who hails from Houston, said last year's weather was a shock to her, adding that at times, she "just wanted to go home." Houston, Muecke said, has recently experienced temperatures in the 80s. As a member of the crew team, Muecke also said this year's weather makes being outside on the river much better. "That's miserable when it's cold and snowing," she said.