Ness outlines progress to Senate, House transportation committees
Director Brian Ness talked about budget, structural and cultural changes occurring at ITD and the department's focus for 2014 to the House and Senate transportation committees at the Capitol Tuesday.
He provided a brief overview of the governor's FY 2015 budget recommendation, a review of the department's current sources of revenue and the status of current federal funding.
"We don't know what future funding will be, but we do know that even with current funding, we must be as efficient as possible," he told committee members. "That is why our organizational realignment was so important."
The director went on to discuss ITD's changing culture, benefits of realignment and the department's strategic plan. Ness called attention to ITD's focus on performance, safety, mobility and economic opportunity.
Improvements in credibility, efficiency and customer service were cited as important accomplishments. Ness also listed savings and progress towards a more efficient work force as additional accomplishments.
"I challenged our employees to transform ITD into the best transportation department in the country," he told legislators. "And I believe we are achieving that goal."
The department won 18 national awards and 19 state awards in 2013.
"In 2014, we are going to get even better," he said.
ITD will continue to focus on implementing its strategic plan in 2014, concentrating on the most important projects or initiatives that support the strategic plan and serve customers. Other focus areas involve improving project delivery and cash flow, workforce planning challenges and succession planning.
Ness concluded his presentation by emphasizing the benefits of investing in transportation.
"Having high-quality roads and bridges is important. They save lives, improve mobility and attract new business," he said. "The transportation system is the engine of Idaho's economy, and it is our job to keep that engine running smoothly.
Published 1-31-14