Description: |
The system called COMBAT, which stands for Central Ohio Management Based Applied Technology, tracks weather and operational data in real-time to help maintenance fleets run more efficiently and environmentally sound. Currently, both Columbus and Franklin County share the system which tracks things like the air and road temperatures, vehicle speeds, fuel and salt dispense, and maintains the rate of ice-melting brine application. COMBAT uses radio frequencies to stay in contact all the time. The system reduces environmental impact by reducing vehicle idling and by allowing closer control of ice-melting material application rates.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission helped secure $4.1 million from the Federal Highway Administration to help fund the project. The city will spend an additional $522,000 and $237,000 will come from the county. Other agencies are currently showing interest in adding their fleet to the system.
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