The Georgia Department of Transportation announces that, due to the State's current budgetary constraints, it is reducing mowing on the state rights-of-way both immediately and during the next fiscal year which begins July 1. Crews are performing only those mowing operations needed to maintain the safety of state roadways until full mowing operations begin and will reduce their normal mowing cycle operations throughout FY 2010. With limited mowing the Department will save approximately $10.95 million next year.

"We would like to engage in a full mowing schedule which is normally mowing twice within a growing season, but the funds are just not there," said Acting Director of Operations Bryant Poole. "We understand that one of the most visible maintenance concerns to our traveling public is the height of grass on the rights-of-way, but be assured that we will continue to do safety mowing on an as needed basis."

The approach to delivering these maintenance and operational services begins and ends with the overriding principle and goal of ensuring motorists' safety. Maintenance activities intended primarily for roadway aesthetics and enhancements that do not relate to the preservation of the road or to preventing specific safety hazards are being severely reduced. As part of safety mowing, the Department will clear vegetation as needed to ensure that critical roadway signage remains visible and will also continue its vegetation management program by applying growth retardant on vegetation, where necessary.

With the beginning of the new fiscal year, the Department will begin mowing again across the state. The goal is to mow the secondary routes once this calendar year instead of the two mowing cycles from previous years. To augment these reduced efforts, there are a few local municipalities and private corporations that have entered into Maintenance Agreements with the Department that allow them to maintain some areas on our interstates and secondary highway system.

The Georgia DOT understands that the condition and aesthetics of our roadways is a key component of our state's image; well-maintained roads speak volumes about our civic pride. During this time of fiscal constraint, the Department is encouraging local governments and civic or community organizations to participate in efforts that support local beautification such as the Adopt-A-Highway and the Keep Georgia Beautiful programs which encourage organizations to assist in regularly scheduled litter pick-up.

The Department will continue working to find other solutions to address keeping our roadways aesthetically pleasing to Georgians and those traveling through our state.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).