Georgia County Government-August 2008

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES continued from page 13 plan execution. This is anticipated to involve budgetary and legislative actions, refining policies at GDOT and translating findings to operating plans, and continuing vigorous project delivery. The State Transportation Board/GDOT Many changes are taking place at the Georgia Department of Transportation in response to the transportation Leadership from all parts of Georgia and from all sectors have recognized the need for action to shore up the resources necessary for our transportation infrastructure. Dust Control - Road Stabilization Liquid Calcium Chloride is an inexpensive and cost-effective alternative to paving and lasts far longer than any other materials used to control dust and stabilize unpaved roads. Among its many benefits, Calcium Chloride: • Cuts grading costs as much as 50 percent • Reduces the replacement cost of gravel and other materials by up to 80 percent • Leads to a 60 percent reduction in compaction effort on loose granular surfaces • Produces cost savings up to 50 percent The downtown I-85/I-75 connector, traveling through Atlanta, is one of the most heavily trafficked highways in the world. Photo courtesy of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). Cl Ca Cl (Liquid Calcium Chloride) 453 Columbia Ind. Blvd. P.O. Box 1058 Evans, GA 30809 Web Page: www.calciumchloride.com (706) 860-1893 • 1-800-447-3781 (706) 855-9868 fax E-mail: richie@csranet.com LIQUIDOWTM funding crisis. Since taking the helm in December of 2007, Commissioner Gena Abraham has led a reform-minded administration that is focused on efficiency and delivering results. One of the most prominent initiatives she has undertaken is getting the accounting system of the department in order and in line with state law. A preliminary State Auditor’s report released in June revealed a projected $1.2 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2008 and identified a series of significant problems with the agency’s accounting practices. The State Transportation Board took major corrective actions to address the deficit and further changes are being made to update the department’s internal financial procedures. An unfortunate result of the deficit is record-low lettings for transportation projects. However, Commissioner Abraham recognizes that one of the obstacles to creating any new funding mechanisms for transportation is the need for transparency and a sound understanding of existing transportation funding. Under the commissioner’s leadership, the department is creating a realistic time TRANSPORTATION ISSUES continued on page 16 14 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT http://www.calciumchloride.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government-August 2008

Georgia County Government- August 2008 Contents President’s Message County Matters Georgia’s Transportation Issues More Critical to Counties than Ever Expanding Rural Airports: Partnering for Economic Development in Upson County Meet DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham Bridge Infrastructure and Risk Counties and the Law: Georgia’s Fair Employment Practices Act Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: Coffee County Extension News: Infrastructure Investments Save County Funds Research Corner: Getting the Most Out of Your Research Discover the New Georgia Encyclopedia NACo News Staff News County Parade Index of Advertisers

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