Representative presses for plan on roads and bridges; administration to follow up

Representative McCormick raised concerns about road and bridge repairs in his district during House budget deliberations, saying constituents frequently complain and estimating a $19 billion backlog in maintenance and repairs. He asked what steady, additional funding DOTD would need to begin addressing the backlog and whether the legislature could help secure that funding.

Roger Husser, assistant commissioner in the Division of Administration, told the chamber he did not represent DOTD directly but that DOTD staff were on the way to the podium. Husser said he would pass the question to DOTD and asked that the DOTD official answer the funding question when present. "I'll certainly pass that question on and also make sure you get an answer," Husser said.

Representative McCormick emphasized the economic importance of passable roads for rural areas and requested a forward plan from DOTD. The exchange ended with the committee agreeing to follow up with DOTD staff off the floor; no funding commitments or budget changes were made on the record during the session.