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“Over the last three years, we have provided unprecedented funding for transportation improvements throughout the state,” Governor Rell said. “Yet, it has become obvious that the Department of Transportation – as presently structured – is not equipped to manage our ambitious transportation agenda. All of the funding in the world will not achieve our desired goal if the agency cannot move these projects forward in an efficient, coordinated and timely manner. “DOT as an institution has simply become too bureaucratic and too single-minded in its problem-solving approach. The structure of our transportation agency has not evolved at the same pace as our transportation needs have evolved. “Bold reforms are necessary. I am calling for an end to the old DOT and the creation of two new and focused departments. I want to create the best and safest transportation system in the country – a system that includes an unprecedented focus on mass transit.” Under the Governor’s proposal, the new Department of Public Transportation, Aviation and Ports will be responsible for bus and rail passenger transportation, rail freight, non-motorized (e.g., bicycle) transportation, ferries, ride-sharing and van-pooling, the State Pier in New London, other maritime programs, Bradley International Airport and the state’s general aviation airports. The Department of Highways will be responsible for interstate and state highways and bridges. This reorganization, effective January 1, 2010, will: Allow each agency to better focus on its mission and systems that promote its goals; Enhance the standing of public transportation and explore its ramifications for development and conservation; and Promote more specialized expertise and abilities within each agency. “In this way each agency will be able to focus on its own goals – and the standing of public transportation, and all of its ramifications for responsible growth, will be enhanced,” Governor Rell said. “I want to give rise to a culture of change, opportunity and reform at DOT. No longer will the phrase ‘That’s how we’ve always done it’ be justification for the practice. “This proposal does not question the commitment and dedication of the thousands of employees who work for DOT. To the contrary, it is my goal to put in place an operational structure that will help our transportation professionals achieve their own full potential, as well as the full potential of what our transportation system can and must be.” Recognizing the need to restructure DOT, last year Governor Rell appointed a Commission on the Reorganization of the Department of Transportation, chaired by Pitney Bowes Chairman Michael Critelli. That Commission concluded that “the entire system of planning, funding, delivering, and maintaining transportation services, of which ConnDOT is the central part, needs serious re-examination.” The Commission made a number of specific recommendations for improving DOT’s operations and management, several of which are funded in the Governor’s proposed budget and included in Senate Bill 46, which is pending before the Transportation Committee. Other recommendations are in the process of being implemented. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Eligibility in Charter Oak tops 2,000; Enrollment tops 1,000 - Sep 26, 2008 - 3:52 PM Toy Police Cars recalled, due to lead hazard - Sep 26, 2008 - 3:21 PM People warned for unofficial web sites when applying for unemployment benefits - Sep 26, 2008 - 1:30 PM State helps leading Healthcare Diagnostics company stay, expand in Brookfield - Sep 25, 2008 - 4:40 PM Gas stations must provide free air for tire inflation, Agency warns - Sep 25, 2008 - 3:35 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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