Boston Stockpiles 40,000 Tons of Salt, 800 Pieces of Equipment for Winter

BOSTON — July 22, 2026 — Boston city officials outlined winter readiness plans at the Public Works yard at 400 Frontage Road, citing 40,000 tons of salt stockpiled and more than 800 pieces of snow-clearing equipment available for major storms. Public Works Superintendent of Street Operations Mike Rowell said the city added 18 new pieces of equipment this season and has firm commitments from all nine snow contractors, noting Boston pays a premium over smaller municipalities to retain drivers. Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon reported more than 1,000 emergency shelter beds available citywide through partners including Pine Street Inn and the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, and said state-managed tiny-home units at the Shattuck campus were expected to come online in mid-December pending staffing. Dillon also highlighted the Senior Saves program, which offers qualifying senior homeowners up to $8,000 toward a new heating system through a call to 311 or 635-HOME. The mayor signaled the city is pursuing a longer-term, city-funded MBTA free-fare pilot, citing Lawrence as a successful model, and confirmed Boston's mask mandate would remain tied to wastewater COVID-19 data showing a holiday surge.