MONTGOMERY – Bills aimed at increasing accountability within the Alabama Department of Transportation will top the agenda of the House of Representatives when it convenes Tuesday for the 14th day of the 2012 Regular Session.
House Bills 355 and 402 sponsored by State Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R-Capshaw), would alter the organizational structure of ALDOT by giving the Transportation Director the authority to appoint three deputy directors to help oversee the operations of the Department. House Bill 402 would specifically change the position of Chief Engineer from a merit system position to an appointed position.
Adding up to three deputies to help oversee this process and designating the chief engineer as an appointed position will translate into more accountability and responsiveness from the Department.
“We’ve long needed to reorganize the organizational structure at ALDOT to ensure more accountability and responsiveness,” Rep. McCutcheon said. “These reforms will translate into road projects being expedited by reducing the bureaucratic red tape that can be a real hindrance to economic development and job creation.”
McCutcheon serves as Chairman of the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard thanked Rep. McCutcheon for introducing the bills and pushing for their passage.
“These measures are part of our commitment to streamline state government and increase accountability among state agencies,” Speaker Hubbard said.
Additional bills up for consideration on Tuesday are aimed to protect citizens and their property in the event of deadly storms. They are:
- House Bill 288 by Rep. Mac Buttram (R-Cullman), which reduces costly fees to make storm shelters less expensive while maintaining building safety guidelines.
- House Bill 340 by Rep. John Merrill (R-Tuscaloosa), which makes looting after a declared emergency a felony in Alabama.
The House convenes at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.
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