BATON ROUGE, La. –In an effort to offset the budgetary effects on Louisiana’s higher education and health care system, approximately $24 million in state transportation trust funds will be reallocated to the general fund.

"DOTD is committed to doing its share to assist the state with the budget shortfall," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "We are committed to focusing essential resources on our core business while not impacting project delivery."

Funds will be removed from the operating budget not the capital budget. Therefore, these adjustments will have no affect on project delivery. The highway priority program will maintain its bid schedule, with no adjustments to projects moving to construction. Additionally, the Port and Flood Control Programs will maintain its letting or bid schedules and the Parish Transportation Fund will not be affected.

DOTD will seize this opportunity to continue to streamline its business services and focus essential resources on its core business.

Specifically, in support of this effort, DOTD will realize savings to its operating budget through employee attrition, reduced overtime, a comprehensive review of all professional contracts i.e. litter pick-up, mowing, etc., defer non-essential capital investment costs and working to extend the life of existing equipment.

Additionally, as standard practice and in an effort to be efficient stewards of taxpayer dollars, DOTD maintains performance measures requiring managers limit expenditures to only 97% of their respective allocated operating budget for supplies, professional services, operating services, etc. DOTD utilizes this method as a proactive tool to ensure operating expenses stay low and the department is able to react should budget conditions change.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).