Snowstorm cost DOT $7.6M

Raleigh, N.C. — The state Department of Transportation spent more than $7.6 million to clear snow and ice from North Carolina highways during last week's snowstorm, officials said Thursday.

The storm's cost will rise in the coming weeks as outside contractors hired by DOT to help clear the roads file their invoices, DOT spokeswoman Dara Demi said.

Up to 6 inches of snow fell on central and eastern North Carolina on Jan. 20, prompting Gov. Beverly Perdue to declare a state of emergency.

DOT officials couldn't immediately provide a breakdown of how the money was spent.