KNOXVILLE (WVLT) – The wintry weather mix that fell across much of East Tennessee on Monday had some Knox County officials worrying what would happen if it is a busy winter season for snow.

At the heart of the worry is the fact that there is a nationwide salt shortage which will increase the cost of keeping the roads clear.

Knoxville paid triple the amount for 400 tons of road salt as they did last year. The total price tag attached to this year’s purchase is around $63,000, compared to about $20,000 in 2007.

Caryville in Campbell County paid more than double to replace its salt supply and like Knoxville, they plan to have plenty of salt on hand to get through an average winter. If their supply runs low, both cities will mix their salt with sand.

"The sand gives you grit to grab into the pavement,” said Bruce Wuethrich, from the Knox County Highway Department. At the same time, the salt works to melt the ice. The sand is also cheaper than salt.”

Road workers blame the nationwide salt shortage on the heavy snowfalls that struck the Midwest last year. T-Dot told Volunteer TV News that they only paid slightly more for salt this year than last year, so they will have plenty of salt on hand for normal use.

All three agencies said they could get more salt if it was needed.