March 16, 2000

For more information, contact: Dena M. Gray-Fisher, 515-239-1922

Iowa Department of Transportation is Restructured

AMES, IOWA - Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Wandro unveiled on Thursday, March 16, a new organizational structure for the department. Taking effect Monday, March 20, the new structure promises a more customer-focused organization that is also better aligned to meet future challenges.

"Now is the time to reposition the DOT for the challenges of the 21^st Century," said Wandro. "With the demand for enhanced transportation systems and services increasing, we need to put our resources into the areas that will better serve our customers."

The key goals of the DOT's restructuring effort are to reduce confusion over whom to contact, eliminate duplication of services, and place a greater emphasis on rail, water, transit and air transportation.

Details about the restructuring plan will be shared with DOT employees over the next few days. The plan calls for no reduction in force and no reductions in pay. Information about the plan was also shared with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, the union that represents most DOT employees covered by the current collective bargaining agreement.

The DOT's new structure will now consist of eight divisions. It combines three previous divisions (maintenance, engineering and project development) into a new highway division. Three other new divisions were also created - modal, information technology and research management. Divisions retained from the previous administration include the director's staff, motor vehicle, operations and finance, and planning and programming.

Housed within the new modal division will be the offices of aviation, public transit and rail transportation, as well as a river transportation section. Establishment of this division was a direct result of customer feedback stating that the department needed a stronger modal focus.

The DOT has also renamed its former six transportation centers that are located throughout the state to districts. The restructuring of these service sites will provide customers who use these resources with improved "one-stop shopping" services.

"We look forward to working with our customers in the implementation of this initiative as we continue to develop transportation systems for Iowa's future," stated Wandro.