The Alabama Legislative Joint Transportation Committee will soon be reorganized if one Alabama lawmaker has his say.
Pratville-Republican, State Senator Clyde Chambliss on Monday pre-filed SB35, a bill that will re-organize the committee, which has responsibility for reviewing the long-term plans and budget for the Alabama Department of Transportation. Chambliss worked closely with House Ways and Means Education Committee Chairman Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) to draw up the re-organization details.
“There has been much discussion about the upcoming session, and specifically, funding for infrastructure. I support this effort to invest in our future, but I also want to make sure that we put effective accountability measures in place,” Chambliss said. “Appropriation and oversight are two of the primary responsibilities of the Alabama Legislature. The Joint Transportation Committee has been lax in that oversight role, and this bill will correct that by holding the Legislature accountable for doing our job.”
Chambliss’ bill specifies the Joint Transportation Committee will meet a minimum of four times per year at the Statehouse, and also mandates members will be automatically removed for lack of attendance.
“How can we build subject knowledge and educate ourselves and the public regarding critical transportation issues unless we solidify a public forum that ensures transparency, accountability and oversight and that every taxpayer dollar is being allocated properly to achieve maximum return on investment?” Poole asked. “This bill goes a long way toward correcting that.”
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton welcomed Chambliss’ legislation as something both sides of the aisle could support.
“Accountability is a bipartisan issue and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that our transportation dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Infrastructure is important to our future and we must make the most of every dollar,” Singleton added.
