The state is looking for more efficiency in its land acquisition process as DelDOT seeks property for road projects, expansions, park-and-rides and other needs.
Acting state Transportation Secretary Cleon Cauley Sr. told the General Assembly Joint Highway and Transportation Committee that a number of steps have been taken following a report released by the Governor’s office in January related to land acquisition and the Route 113 project. DelDOT was found to be paying two developers not to develop on land the agency deemed necessary for the Route 113 bypass. A general lack of appraisals and vetting of property purchases was also detailed.
Since the findings came out, there have been numerous personnel changes at DelDOT, including the resignation of previous Secretary Carol Ann Wicks. Governor Markell also suspended work on the project in late January, awaiting a consensus among Sussex County lawmakers about its future. Cauley said changes had started prior to the report was released. He also assured lawmakers that despite the personnel changes, the process “was in good hands.”
Cauley said any future land acquisitions for road projects will go before the Advance Acquisition Committee, which met March 14th. The process will include a system of checks and balances.
“We’re trying to change a culture,” Cauley said.
It appears Delaware will avoid a showdown with its public employee unions over benefits, pensions and layoffs – the type of showdowns taking place in some states such as Ohio and Wisconsin.
Members of the Markell administration, public employee unions and the four caucuses in the General Assembly have been holding regular meetings since early in the year to determine ways to reduce the demand of health care and pension payments on the state budget.
The result is a piece of legislation introduced Thursday March 31 that supporters say will save state taxpayers $500-million over 15 years.
For state workers hired after January 1, 2012, employee pension contributions would be increased to 5% from the current 3% for the first $6,000 in earnings. Years before a pension is vested for these new employees would be increased from five to ten. Some age and service requirements would also be adjusted upward to receive full retirement benefits.
Current state employees would see no change in their pension and retirement benefits.
The proposal also makes changes to the health care plan that may cost state employees a “few dollars more each week.”
“This was not an easy process, but ultimately we reached a point where we have a plan that addresses the problem,” said House Majority Whip Valerie Longhurst (D-Bear).
Representative Deborah Hudson (R-Fairthorne) said all involved seem to recognize that “the system, as it existed, could not be sustained.”
