New Winter Storm Parking Plan Set by Diana Pounds Next time there is a heavy snowfall, tune in to your local news station to see if Iowa State's Winter Storm Parking Plan is in effect. The recently developed plan is intended to ensure that streets and sidewalks are cleared adequately for campus traffic and that drivers have a place to park. When the plan is in effect, drivers should plan on parking in one of three designated parking areas -- the southwest corner of the Iowa State Center, north of Molecular Biology or south of Food Technology. Designated lots in these areas will be cleared first and available for parking by 7:30 a.m. All valid ISU parking permits will be honored in the designated lots while the plan is in effect. Those parking at the Iowa State Center can catch Cy-Ride buses to campus. The buses (with orange signs on the front and side) will run at 4- to 8-minute intervals from the center. When the Winter Storm Parking Plan is in effect, drivers are asked not to park in their usual parking lots, unless they have been cleared. The Winter Storm Parking Plan will be invoked only when heavy or late-falling snow prevents ISU staff from clearing all streets, sidewalks and parking areas adequately by 7:30 a.m. "We have the staff and the equipment to handle normal winter storms," said Gary Reynolds, director of facilities management. "But it's difficult to keep up with heavy snow accumulations or snow that falls after 3 a.m. If we can't keep up with the snow, we'll invoke the Winter Storm Parking Plan, which gives top priority to streets, sidewalks and designated parking lots." Area radio and TV stations and newspapers will be notified when the Winter Storm Parking Plan is in effect. During poor weather, faculty, staff and students also are encouraged to use Cy-Ride. Additional buses will be added to normal routes at these times, Reynolds said. _____ contact: Diana Pounds, (515) 294-4845 updated: 2-10-95