In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a comprehensive study on ways to modernize operations of the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

With the Commonwealth facing unprecedented transportation challenges, ensuring PennDOT runs at peak efficiency, and with sufficient funding, remains paramount. By allowing LBFC to analyze existing PennDOT practices with a focus on modernization, we can identify innovative solutions and more efficient and effective ways for PennDOT to conduct its critically important operations.

To that end, the study would focus on the following aspects:
  1. Assessing the existing means of PennDOT procurement and methods for improvement.
  2. Identifying enhancements in electronic, paperless transactions and handling paper-only transactions by electronic means.
  3. Evaluation of existing PennDOT Engineering Districts and recommendations on changes or reforms to their structure given population changes, county size, highway miles, accessibility, maintenance costs, material costs, employment, and access to essential services.
  4. Exploring new, cost-effective options relating to road and bridge funding.
  5. Engaging with local communities, stakeholders, leaders, transportation experts, and other relevant entities to gather input and insights.
  6. Developing a comprehensive set of recommendations and strategies to enhance the modernization of PennDOT.
Given importance of the Commonwealth’s highway, bridge, shipping, mass transit, and airport infrastructure to our economic prosperity and ability to harness future opportunities, replacing outdated and inefficient department practices can better secure our future. Through this study, possible ways for improving and modernizing PennDOT operations will be outlined, allowing the PA General Assembly to more knowledgeably consider sensible and forward-looking transportation policies and strategies.

I hope you will consider co-sponsoring this important resolution to study ways of modernizing PennDOT.