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Public Works tells senators it will prioritize potholes, drainage and bridge repairs; FEMA and contractors cited as constraints
Summary
Department of Public Works officials told the Senate committee they are sequencing projects to match cyclical revenue, increasing inspections and moving several bids and bridge projects toward solicitation, while senators pressed for clearer schedules for brush/gut cleaning and better equipment and staffing.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) told the Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications that it is prioritizing drainage, pothole repairs, bridge work and roadside maintenance but that staffing, equipment and coordination with other agencies constrain delivery.
Commissioner Gabriel (identified in testimony as "Commissioner") and DPW staff responded to senators' questions on roads, drainage, bridges, pavement specifications and vegetation/brush cutting. The department said it is pursuing multiple tactics:
- Staffing and vacancies: The commissioner said DPW had 28 vacancies territorywide across mass transit operators, cemetery caretakers, general maintenance workers, an engineer and transportation planner positions; some positions were funded and recruiting was underway.
- Asset…
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