ZAUN REPORT 1/26: 50 Million Ways to Stretch Road Tax Dollars

In November 2011, as a direct response to a recommendation by the Governor’s Transportation 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission, Gov. Branstad directed the Iowa DOT to convene meetings with the cities and counties to review the operation, maintenance and improvement of Iowa’s public roadway system.

The purpose of the meetings was to identify ways to jointly increase efficiency, with a target of identifying $50 million in efficiency savings could be captured from the $1.2 billion of RUTF monies provided to the Iowa DOT, cities and counties. 

Earlier this week, Iowa DOT Director Paul Trombino, III, presented Branstad with a report detailing 13 programmatic and partnership efficiencies totaling $50 million in either one-time or annual savings.

The following efficiencies were identified:

• Post-Letting project cost. Projected savings: $10 million, annually
• Rest Areas and commercial motor vehicle weight stations. Projected savings: $1.5 million, annually
• Uniform Revenue collection. Projected savings: $8 million, annually
• Statewide roadside improvements. Projected savings: $1 million, annually
• Statewide traffic control devices: Projected savings: $1 million, one-time savings
• Right of Way parcels. Projected savings: $1 million, annually
• Asset management. Projected savings: $11 million, one-time savings
• Highway project concepts. Projected savings: $5 million, one-time, over 5 years
• Surface Transportation Program (STP). Projected savings: $5 million, annually
• Local jurisdiction partnerships for roadway maintenance: Projected savings: $500,000, annually
• Iowa DOT facilities, fleet and printing operations. Projected savings: $500,000, annually
• Streamline regulatory permitting process: Projected savings: $500,000 annually
• Motor vehicle enforcement. Projected savings: $5 million, annually
• Total Annual Savings: $33 million
• Total One-Time Savings: $17 million 

I compliment Transportation Director, Paul Trombino, for finding ways to come up with more money for our roads.

Talk to Your Legislators Saturday 

This year there are four public forums set in Urbandale with my friend, Rep. Scott Raecker. The forums are sponsored by the great Urbandale Chamber and will take place at 2900 Justin Drive, Suite L. on the following dates:

Saturday, January 28 - 10:30 am to noon
Saturday, February 25 - 10:30 am to noon
Saturday, March 31 - 10:30 am to noon
Saturday, April 28 - 10:30 am to noon.

I will be attending a forum in Windsor Heights at the 3E Building next to Wal-Mart, 73^rd Street on Saturday, January 28- 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Please join me when you can.

If you cannot attend please email me at brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov or call 515-281-3371. I am always interested in your opinion and it is truly an honor to serve you!