By By Lisa Tindell
With a new roadside spraying project in Escambia County near completion for the season, County Engineer Bill Bridges said the project could prove to be a money saver for the county while maintaining safety for plants, animals and humans.
A program designed to eliminate or retard the growth of vegetation along the side of Escambia County’s roads began this month and Bridges said could be a cost-cutter for the county. The work is being done by Naturechem, Inc., based near Birmingham.
Bridges said the program is aimed at more than just cutting costs in the county’s budget.
Although some concerns have been raised over safety for adjacent vegetation, bodies of water and animals, Bridges said the spraying is considered safe and has been used by others in the area for several years.
Bridges said Naturechem, Inc., is a reputable company and has completed similar projects around the state with one project being as close as Baldwin County.
In an interview last month, County Commissioner Brandon Smith said the switch will cut costs and benefit the county at the same time.
Smith said the bush hogs are expensive to operate and maintain, putting a dent into the county’s budget every month.
Smith said the company will be mindful of farmers and other landowners in the county taking into consideration crops and other vegetation being grown.
Bridges said the current cycle of the spraying project should be completed within the next few weeks.