News: Several reasons for pricey road salt

COLUMBUS -- A state investigation concludes inflexible contracts and restrictive bidding have contributed to road salt shortages and high prices.

A report from the Ohio Department of Transportation also notes that last year's snowy winter in the Midwest depressed salt supplies.

The department examined the salt market at the request of Gov. Ted Strickland following reports that rock salt prices were up as much as 300 percent this year.

According to the analysis, part of the blame lies with Ohio contracts that take salt off the market by requiring suppliers to put aside far more salt than may actually be purchased.

The report turned in Monday also is critical of state statutes that force counties to rely on bids from Ohio salt producers, limiting competition.