Gov. Tom Corbett Friday announced 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.

The announcement comes just days before Gov. Corbett is expected to announce a multi-billion billion funding plan.

“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 Turnpike Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, bundling bridge projects and realizing local government savings with project delivery efficiencies.

Funding Plan

Gov. Corbett is set to unveil a transportation funding plan next week.  As was hinted earlier, part of the plan is expected to include uncapping the wholesale tax on gasoline and diesel fuel under the Oil Company Franchise Tax.  The tax is imposed on wholesale fuel distributors, but there is no doubt it will be passed on to the motoring public.

Asked if the proposal violates Corbett’s no tax increase pledge, the Governor’s spokesperson Kevin Harley said, “How is he raising taxes?  I’m curious how he’s raising taxes.”  Headline writers saw it otherwise--

NewsClips:

Norquist: Corbett Transportation Tax Proposal Breaks Anti-Tax Pledge

Corbett Eyes Wholesale Tax On Gasoline

Corbett To Uncap Wholesale Gasoline Tax

Corbett To Raise Gas Tax To Fund Billion-Dollar Road Plan

Corbett Road Plan To Uncap Wholesale Gasoline Tax

Corbett To Propose Gas Tax Hike To Fund Transportation

Op-Ed: PA Metro Centers Deserve Special Transportation Funding

1/21/2013