Comptroller's Report Supports Efforts of New Administration

July 26, 2003

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Tennessee Department of Transportation is changing the way it does business and the need for those on-going efforts is underscored this week by a Transportation Planning Research document published by the State of Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Office.

In a letter responding to the report, TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said, “I appreciate the Comptroller’s strides for improving accountability in government in Tennessee. Many of the report findings are consistent with issues facing DOTs across the country.”

Nicely went on to say that the report outlines some key planning components that have already been or are in the process of being redesigned under his leadership.

“Six months before I became Commissioner, the department initiated a complete assessment of its transportation planning process in an effort to develop and sustain a long range transportation methodology.” Nicely explained. “When I took office we significantly expanded that effort.”

First, the department’s organizational structure was changed to align key functions within the agency to improve the overall delivery of transportation products and services. Nicely said, “These actions are consistent with the report recommendations and are just my initial steps in transforming TDOT into a responsive multimodal transportation organization.”

Second, TDOT is working with the Department of Finance and Administration on a request to procure professional services to assist in undertaking the development of the state’s first Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan (LRTP).

That plan will serve as a blueprint for the State in guiding future investments in highways, public transportation, rail, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian thoroughfares, as well as waterways throughout Tennessee.

Other key points in the report addressed by TDOT include:

Expanded efforts to make greater utilization of local land-use and development information in the planning process.

TDOT agrees to use the LRTP as a tool to assist in documenting needs, costs, and benefits used in transportation decision-making.

TDOT is working to strengthen partnerships and information sharing with local governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to help establish project needs.

The LRTP would include the development of financial forecasting tools and long-range funding plans to make better use of state and federal funds to develop a truly multi-modal transportation system for Tennessee.

TDOT commits to providing an annual update on the progress of each action recommended by the Comptroller’s report.

Commissioner Nicely concluded by saying, “Greater mobility options, improved environmental stewardship, and overall accountability are essential to TDOT in meeting the transportation needs of Tennessee and are areas that we are committed to addressing.”