ODOT’s highly skilled employees complete work once done by private contractors
GEAUGA COUNTY (Thursday, October 29, 2015) – Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) joined Senator John Eklund to view firsthand how legislation passed in 2013 is helping ODOT’s highly skilled employees complete work once done by private contractors.
Senator John Eklund (second from the left) joined ODOT crews to view firsthand how ODOT’s own skilled employees can now perform work once done by private contractors.
During the weekend of October 24 and 25, ODOT crews installed a 48 inch concrete pipe, approximately 60 feet in length and a 24 inch polyethylene pipe, also about 60 feet in length along State Route 700 in rural Geauga County.
This project shows firsthand how legislation passed in 2013 has helped the state’s workforce be more productive and cost effective. The new law was passed as part of ODOT’s Fiscal Year 2014/2015 budget in House Bill 51 of the 130th General Assembly. Senator Eklund was instrumental in the passing of this legislation.
“This element of House Bill 51 was part of our ongoing effort to help all areas of Ohio government work more efficiently and productively,” Senator Eklund stated. “ODOT has been a great partner in that effort, and all Ohioans will reap the benefits.”
In simple terms, it allows the state of Ohio’s highly trained, skilled employees to perform work at the same level and standards as their private counterparts, saving Ohio taxpayers, while still providing a safe and cost efficient product.
ODOT spends 93 percent of its time and resources taking care of what it has. Thanks to this legal change, ODOT’s workforce is able to do larger projects in-house faster and at a lower cost to the state of Ohio.
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