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November 01, 2016

City Partners with 211 Helpline On Snow Removal Alert Messaging

The City is partnering with the 211 Helpline Center to inform residents when a Snow Removal Alert is declared for the downtown core area. The City is partnering with the 211 Helpline Center to inform residents when a Snow Removal Alert is declared for the downtown core area. (City Photo)

The City of Rapid City is partnering with the 211 Helpline Center this winter to notify affected residents and business employees when a downtown snow removal alert is declared as well as other winter messaging.

            Anyone wishing to receive downtown snow removal alerts via text message may subscribe by texting 'RCSnow' to 898211.

            "We are pleased to partner with the 211 Helpline Center in getting the word out when the City declares a Snow Alert for the downtown area and other winter alerts," said Mayor Steve Allender. "The 211 Helpline will be one of several tools the City plans to utilize when declaring a Snow Alert for downtown Rapid City and other winter messaging."

                For the first time in several years, the City will declare a downtown snow removal alert under certain conditions.  The snow removal alert system applies to removal of snow in the downtown core area during a declared snow alert.  The downtown snow removal core area is defined as both sides of the street on Ninth Street to the west, Fifth Street to the east, Omaha Street to the north and Kansas City Street to the south.  The City's Public Works Director can declare a Snow Removal Alert in the downtown core area for snow to be cleared for the safe and orderly flow of  traffic for the safety, health and welfare of the general public.

            If a Downtown Snow Removal Alert is declared, the City will communicate the message through the 211 Helpline Center as well as utilizing traditional media sources and the City's social media platform.   In addition, the Mayor's Office is sending letters to residents and businesses in and near the affected area.

            "We are excited to be working with Rapid City officials to spread the word about downtown snow alerts," said Heidi Bell Gease, Resource Development Specialist for the Rapid City Helpline Center.  "Our text alert system really proved itself during the Crow Peak Fire near Spearfish last summer, when 505 people signed up to receive text updates on that situation.  This will be a great tool for keeping Rapid City residents informed."

            When a Snow Removal Alert is declared, any vehicle or trailer parked in the core area from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. may be removed by the police department and the vehicle's owner or operator assessed a fine of $25 and the charges for towing and storage of the vehicle.  If the fine is not paid within 72 hours, the fine will be increased to $35.