'Our winter operations staffing is still down from a normal winter, but it's improved significantly from this time last fall,' WSDOT's Werner said.
. Will the state have enough people to keep the passes open this year?
There is still a nationwide shortage of people to do this kind of work, and WSDOT is fighting agencies across the state and private companies to fill these vacancies. The most significant need is for people with a commercial driver’s license to work the trucks and plows. A close second is a need for mechanics.
“Our staff has started that training now, but in some cases, they may not be ready to have it completed for this winter season,” Werner said. The vaccine mandate remains in place for any state workers, but contractors with limited public involvement no longer have to provide proof of vaccine.