Schools and community groups across Washtenaw County have until Thursday, Aug. 20 to apply for the county Road Commission's Paint-A-Plow program, which puts original artwork on working snowplows that clear local roads all winter.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission posted the deadline reminder on X on July 31. The program, which has run since at least 2023, pairs selected organizations with a full-size plow blade measuring roughly 8 feet deep, 8 feet tall and 12 to 14 feet wide.


This year's required theme is "Road Safety," built around the slogan "Move Over Michigan."

Here's how it works: WCRC delivers a clean, gray-primed plow to a secure location at the organization's address during the week of Sept. 15. Groups have about four weeks to paint. All plows are picked up during the week of Oct. 12 and mounted on trucks for the winter season.

Supplies aren't included. The commission recommends durable enamel or automotive paint and a clear coat to help artwork last, though the agency notes painted designs will wear away once plows hit the pavement.

Only students or members of the applying organization may complete the artwork. Designs must be original, non-political and non-religious. Anything deemed inappropriate will be painted over by WCRC staff. Participants are selected based on equipment availability in their area.

Beyond winter road duty, the finished plows may appear at community parades and touch-a-truck events around the county. Organizations can request their plow for a local parade on a first-come, first-served basis, with one group per parade accommodated.

WCRC maintains 1,649 miles of county roads and can deploy up to 46 snowplows during a winter storm. The agency spends roughly $3 million annually on winter maintenance.

Cathy Schneider, a second-grade teacher at Whitmore Lake Elementary, wrote in an undated testimonial on the WCRC program page that one of her students called the experience "his best day ever" after participating in a prior year.

Applications and program guidelines are available at wcroads.org/paint-a-plow-program. Organizations can also call (734) 761-1500 or email [email protected] for more information.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Thursday, Aug. 20 — Paint-A-Plow application deadline
  • Week of Sept. 15 — Plow delivery to selected organizations
  • Week of Oct. 12 — Plow pickup by WCRC