Daily News Briefs, December 19, 2024

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Oregon DOT Announces Winter Maintenance Staff Cutback

KATU reports, “Oregon transportation agencies are warning Oregonians that if the state gets slammed with snow, they’re going to have a hard time responding. The reason? Budget cuts. ‘We’re expecting staffing shortages this winter due to a variety of reasons,’ Geoff Bowyer, Emergency Operations Manager at Oregon Department of Transportation, said during an annual winter preparedness news conference. ‘If you’re traveling, know that your trip may take longer.’” Bowyer told reporters ODOT hasn’t been able to fill all its open maintenance and operations jobs, and budget constraints required elimination of 25 positions.

In August, ODOT officials informed the state transportation commission they would have to cut as many as 1,000 jobs and millions of dollars of acquisitions unless the legislature finds a way to boost department funding in the next session. ODOT’s 2025-2027 budget currently has a projected revenue shortfall of more than $354 million. Two weeks ago, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (D) announced a proposed biennial budget that includes $1.75 billion in new ODOT funding. However, the governor said lawmakers will have to decide how to provide the additional money.

Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Maintenance Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Safety (Includes COVID-19 Impacts) Oregon Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Transportation And Infrastructure Workforce Issues

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Shanté Hastings Chosen To Lead DelDOT In New Administration

On Tuesday, Delaware Governor-elect Matt Meyer (D) announced he intends to nominate Shanté Hastings for permanent appointment as Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) secretary, Coastal Point reports. Ms. Hastings currently serves as DelDOT’s deputy secretary and chief engineer, and she will become acting secretary on Saturday, December 21, upon the departure of current secretary Nicole Majeski.

In his announcement, Meyer said the future nominee’s ” institutional knowledge and expertise will be essential as we invest in Delaware’s infrastructure and continue building bikeable and walkable communities.” Ms. Hastings has been a DelDOT staff member and leader for more than 20 years.

Meyer will replace Governor John Carney (D), who was term-limited, on January 21, 2025. for the office.

Appointments-Promotions-Retirements Delaware Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Women in Transportation

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Kathryn Clay Will Succeed Pat Jones As IBTTA Chief Executive

IBTTA announced yesterday that Kathryn Clay, PhD, will succeed Pat Jones, who is retiring, as the association’s executive director and CEO, effective January 6, 2025. IBTTA stated, Dr. Clay “is a seasoned association leader with a unique blend of scientific expertise, policy acumen, and operational success. She was most recently the president and CEO of the International Liquid Terminals Association, where she drove record revenue growth, spearheaded industry-first advocacy initiatives, and championed innovation, safety, and environmental compliance. . . . Her career spans high-level roles in energy, technology, and public policy, including work on Capitol Hill, where she helped shape key legislation like the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.”

“We are excited to welcome Kathryn Clay as IBTTA’s new leader,” said James Hofmann, CEO and executive director of the North Texas Tollway Authority and 2025 IBTTA president. “Her multidisciplinary expertise in science, energy, technology, and public policy aligns perfectly with IBTTA’s mission to advance innovative and sustainable transportation systems. With Kathryn’s leadership, we are ready to address the critical infrastructure funding gaps facing our communities. Tolling and user-fee financing are essential tools for building and maintaining sustainable transportation systems, and Kathryn’s vision and expertise will help position IBTTA to drive innovative solutions for these pressing challenges.”

The announcement added that IBTTA and its members extend their deepest gratitude to Patrick Jones, who, over 23 years of association leadership, “elevated IBTTA into a globally recognized leader in the tolling and transportation industry.”

Appointments-Promotions-Retirements IBTTA

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These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.

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