Improvements in the First Six
Months
July 25, 2003
NASHVILLE—Six months into the mission, the Tennessee Department of
Transportation is making great strides fulfilling Governor Phil Bredesen’s challenge to make
major overhauls.
“The changes at TDOT are making Tennesseans safer on the roads and it’s
making better use of their tax dollars,” said Bredesen. “Under Commissioner Jerry Nicely’s
leadership, public input is encouraged and the department is more sensitive to the
environmental impact of its projects.”
Nicely has visited all of the department’s regional offices in an effort to
meet as many TDOT employees as possible. He has also toured key projects in cities
across the state.
“When Governor Bredesen asked me to head TDOT, I accepted, knowing there
were huge challenges involved with turning around a historically troubled agency,” Nicely says. It’s only with the
full cooperation and concern of everyone at TDOT, from supervisors to field maintenance workers, that we can
make our department more efficient and more fiscally responsible.”
During the first six months, the following improvements to the department’s business
practices and construction processes have been made:
Greater contractor accountability and
oversight
New contractor incentives and fines to keep projects on
track.
Contracts that request night and weekend work where possible.
Newsletters and meetings conducted by contractors to keep communities
informed.
Increased communication between TDOT, contractors, Municipal Planning
Organizations, and local authorities requesting projects.
High priority placed on improving community relations
Community meetings held before legally required meetings to get public
input before a project is planned.
Informational meetings held to help people understand the impact of a
project before its launch.
A new Constituent Services group established to track calls and e-mails –
seven day guaranteed response.
Expanded online public access to information – provides updated project
information and opportunity for public comment.
Kicked off TDOT SmartWay statewide. The technology-based
transportation information system got underway in Nashville this summer and begins in
Knoxville next year.
New environmental impact efforts
All environmental concerns and issues consolidated under one director to
improve oversight.
Environmental permits are required during design phase, before a project is
let for contract.
Tennessee Wildflower Program redesigned to make more environmentally
friendly, including eliminating use of dangerous pesticides.
Policies designed to make TDOT more fiscally
responsible
TDOT vehicular fleet reduced by 15% statewide.
Fifteen controversial and expensive projects put on hold as information is
gathered through UT “Listening Sessions”. Results expected in August, with decisions coming
this fall.
New Utility Law takes effect in September, eliminating long utility delays
by giving TDOT control of utility relocation.
Environmental permits required before project is let for construction to
avoid costly delays.
Revisions to Tennessee Wildflower Program cut cost to taxpayers by seventy
five percent, beginning in 2004.
Railroad Task Force improvements
Four community members will be appointed to the Railroad Task Force and will represent
relatives of people killed at railroad crossings, also schedules more regular meetings.
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