TOPEKA (KSNT) - Curt Niehaus with Shawnee County Public Works joined the 27 News morning show to discuss a new incentive program that will help residents get their commercial drivers license (CDL). Shawnee County is trying to make it easier to find snowplow drivers for the winter months. A major hurdle for these drivers is obtaining a CDL. Shawnee County will be offering financial incentives while residents apply for their licenses. "Shawnee County Pays upfront for the cost of the CDL training program," Niehaus said. "If the employee is successful, they are kind of reclassified into a full-time possition, a full time road maintenance position. And then, over the course of approximately two years, they pay back the cost of the $4,000 class." KU instructor leaves after video of political comment surfaces New employees are expected to repay the money over two years once they start working full-time. Those who participate in the program will end up using $1 per hour from their wages to pay back the class. Trainees make $19 per hour and, if hired by the county, can get bumped up to between $21 and $23 per hour. You can watch the full interview above. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.