Now read on to find out more details about how this money saving opportunity works.
- Advance notice of projects is so that counties have the opportunity to take advantage of KDOT contractors being in the area. They may be able to perform work that is not normally done by local contractors, or at least provide for more competition if the project is bid.
- In many rural areas of the state there is no permanent hot mix plant or adequate number of contractors to competitively bid paving, sealing and certain types of road projects. Typically hot mix plants are located in the area only when there is a large paving project and more often than not this is a contract with KDOT.
- All local governments in the county need to have advance notice of the KDOT projects so they can budget for possible street work or buy hot mix or other materials from the contractor.
- KDOT, county and city cooperation in this area has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of local projects.
Here is what you need to do:
- Examine the KDOT maps of 2008 projects and see the projects in your county. You can find the KDOT maps in the Transportation Section of the Resource Center then scroll down to the transportation section. There is also a Fact Sheet that can be downloaded which explains the process in more detail, and answers frequently asked questions.
- Contact your KDOT Area Engineer as soon as possible. You can find out specific details about contractors, hot mix plant locations, timing, equipment to be on site, etc. Remember, bidding statutes are not superseded, and it is up to you to determine the most appropriate way to proceed.
- Take time to let communities in your county know about this opportunity. They can also save money in the same way.