THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2000
Mayor Announces New "Rights of Way" Program For Managing Street Cuts
(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced today the District's new "Rights of Way" (ROW) Program for managing the work of utility and telecommunications companies as they install fiber optic cables beneath the surface of city streets.
"This time around, it is going to be different," said Mayor Williams. "We have put new people in place, new procedures in place, and we are enforcing the idea that cutting our streets is a privilege-not a right."
In addition to the ROW rental fee that was enacted on April 1st, the program calls for improved management of projects and coordination among firms that have permits to do work. New construction will be phased in and scheduled through the Department of Public Works (DPW). The number of inspectors has been doubled and inspections will be much more rigorous. Traffic plans must also be submitted by companies who intend to do work to minimize the disruption to citizens.
"The bottom line is that drivers will see a dramatic change. This plan is part of my effort to live up to the 'gold standard' of service that residents deserve. Most importantly, the overall quality of the roads will improve tremendously."
The Mayor also announced additional management support for the DPW in the Transportation Division. A new chief engineer, a new traffic engineer and a new Acting Director of Transportation will work with DPW Director Vanessa Burns to coordinate efforts.
The new Acting Director of Transportation is Dan Tangherlini. Before he joined the District government, he worked in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation's policy office. He also served for six years in the Federal Office of Management and Budget working on transportation and infrastructure issues. More recently, Tangherlini worked in the City Administrator's office early in the Williams Administration heading up the short-term action team. He is a nine year resident of the District and lives in Ward Six.
