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DPW says new right-of-way responsibilities need about six staff, surveyors or contract support
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Summary
The Department of Public Works told the Senate it needs roughly six FTEs and access to survey services to implement a new right-of-way program and enforce regulations. The department estimated about $250,000 in personnel costs for the initial hires and recommended contracting survey work until an in-house surveyor can be added.
The Department of Public Works told the Senate on Sept. 10 that its newly expanded right-of-way (ROW) responsibilities will require additional staff and professional services to implement regulations and perform property acquisitions and permit enforcement.
Director Anthony Tomaccio and DPW staff said the ROW section currently has two staff and needs roughly five to six people to perform permit processing, on-site inspections and research related to property acquisition and ROW enforcement. DPW estimated roughly $250,000 to fund the six positions for the initial period; the department said the same work could be handled by a combination of new FTEs and contracted professional services while the ROW program matures.
DPW officials said the work frequently requires surveying to establish rights and boundaries and that in-house surveyors are not available: “We don't have any in-house surveyors,” a DPW representative said. The department estimated an in-house surveyor’s annual cost at about $60,000–$70,000; it recommended using professional-surveying contracts if an FTE could not be funded immediately. DPW also said other agencies have provided some survey assistance but that those agencies are busy with their own workloads.
Why it matters: The ROW program affects public infrastructure projects, permitting for sign placement and road cuts, and any public taking or property acquisition needed for construction projects. Proper staffing and survey capability affect project schedules, compliance with federal funding rules and potential compensation for landowners.
Senators asked for additional cost detail and recommended coordination with related agencies, including the Department of Land and Natural Resources and other offices that have previously helped with surveying. DPW said it will provide more detailed estimates and consider a mix of FTEs and contracted services to meet immediate needs.
