HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett has announced that PennDOT has identified more than $50 million in savings through its Next Generation initiative that involves modernizing operations, expanding inter-agency efficiencies and becoming a better business partner.
“PennDOT’s Next Generation efforts are focusing on using every dollar effectively and efficiently in delivering transportation products. PennDOT is doing more with less while continuing to focus on the quality of their service,” Corbett said.
PennDOT’s Next Generation initiative, which is outlined at www.ModernDOT.pa.gov, encompasses technology improvements, employee suggestions and private-sector innovation to evaluate and enhance business practices. Next Generation projects also include efficiencies stemming from increased coordination with other state partners, and other modernization efforts.
“Pennsylvania has a well-established need for additional transportation funding, this is critical to preserve our economy and our quality of life,” Corbett said. “As we move forward to establish new revenues it is critical that PennDOT is able to maximize every dollar possible.”
One example of a Next Generation Project is the department’s ePermitting system for highway occupancy permits, which moved the process online, increasing transparency and reducing the review time from an average of 45 days to 10 days. The system received a 2012 National Association of State Chief Information Officers award in the Government to Business category.
Efficiencies are also being realized through projects streamlining right of way program services as well as bridge inspection and analysis. The department anticipates $1.2 million in savings from reducing or eliminating right of way processes and regionalizing resources. An additional $540,000 in annual savings is expected through realigning workloads and enhancing resources for bridge inspections and load evaluations.
Other efficiency efforts under the initiative include sharing services with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, bundling bridge projects and realizing local government savings with project delivery efficiencies.