RALEIGH, N.C. — Officials believe it would take about $100,000 to buy new road equipment for snow storms in Raleigh. It is one idea to help prevent the traffic jams caused by a surprise snowfall on Jan. 19.

A city council committee said it will make the funding a priority in upcoming budget talks.

However, at least one council member said preventing gridlock does not necessarily have to mean spending money. Councilor Thomas Crowder said better collaboration and communication should be the focus.

Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said other aspects to the proposed city plan would be ways to notify the public of a weather emergency such as e-mail to ask companies to keep people at work while the city works to clear major roads.