the story is similar across the northeast. it's putting cities and towns in the red, and in some cases, smaller towns are looking to unusual solutions. another storm, a new record. new york city has had the most snow ever for the month of january. but even before this latest storm the city blew through its nearly $39 million snow budget for the entire year, making no secret of its desire to see the winter end, the city's mayor joked he hoped next week's ground hog day might spell relief. >> and if the woodchuck can help, we'll do it. we'll use him. we're not ashamed to include everybody. even woodchucks. >> reporter: boston received more than 50 inches of snow this winter. massachusetts has also plowed through the money set aside for snow removal and is digging into other state funds to pay for it. new jersey is seeking federal money for cleanup costs for december's blizzard. connecticut is also asking for federal help. the costs are prompting cash