City officials said Wednesday that they expect to get federal reimbursement for just one-third of the money they spent fighting this month's storms.

The good news, though, is that they're ready for the next storm.

The city spent nearly $3.6 million on snow clearance and unusual public safety costs from Feb. 5 through Feb. 20, according to figures released by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's office.

"The mayor's going to do everything he can to get the full amount," said city spokeswoman Joanna Doven. She said the mayor could make a personal trip to Washington, D.C., where the state's congressional delegation is trying to amend or bend the disaster reimbursement rules for the storm-struck state.

But the current Federal Emergency Management Agency formula appears to give the city a clean shot at just $1.16 million in reimbursement.

The biggest cost was $1.25 million for Department of Public Works overtime and equipment, including $622,000 for 11,915 tons of salt. Not far behind are the $722,000 bill for firefighters called out for extra shifts, and $715,000 for snow removal and tree removal contractors.

Other big line items include $303,000 for police overtime, $200,000 for vehicle repairs and $77,000 in extra paramedic shifts.

Under FEMA rules, if the city and state qualify, they can get reimbursement for 75 percent of the costs incurred during its most expensive 48 hours. Those two days were Feb. 9 and 10, when the city spent $754,700 and $793,500, respectively.

"In the past, based on the unique circumstances of a particular event, FEMA would designate the eligible period of time," said city Deputy Director of Emergency Management Raymond DeMichiei. FEMA adopted the 48-hour rule just to limit reimbursement payouts, he said.

If the city has to, it can pay the remaining $2.4 million out of its savings.

A report on city finances issued last week showed that the city spent $8 million less than it brought in last year.

PennDOT also reported Wednesday that including the storms earlier this month, it has spent $159 million of its projected winter allocation of $180 million. If the department exhausts its winter budget, it will tap funds earmarked for spring maintenance.

The mayor Wednesday called together heads of city departments and city-related agencies to prepare for anticipated new snow.

Public works employees will be ready to start 12-hour shifts if needed. Contractors able to provide two dozen pieces of heavy equipment are on call. The fire chief is empowered to send out the city's 600-plus firefighters to help with tree removal and other tasks. City vehicle repair has been accelerated. The 311 help center is ready to open 16 phone lines. Senior outreach call lists have been assembled.

"We're going to be ready," said Ms. Doven.

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