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Moore calls on Massachusetts Highway Department to be prepared for winter
September 23, 2008...Although it's just the beginning of fall, it's not too early to begin preparing for the winter season. Part of that preparation is to ensure that the Massachusetts Highway Department has an adequate number of snow and ice removal contractors ready to respond when the first snow falls in Massachusetts. Today, the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee held an oversight hearing with the Massachusetts Highway Department and the Massachusetts Snow and Ice Contractors Association to resolve concerns about prompt payment of contractors. Highway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky and Contractors' President Matt Frazier testified at the hearing. Payment of snow and ice contractors is a long-standing issue since the state rarely appropriates sufficient funds in the budget, and contractors frequently have to wait months for payment once the state approves a supplemental budget. Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, a member of the Post Audit and Oversight Committee, stated: "Maintenance of our highways and roads during a snowstorm should be among the highest priorities of government. Our economy and the safety of our people depends on state roads being well-maintained throughout the year, especially during our typical New England winters." Moore added that many of the snow removal contractors are small businesses that depend upon prompt payment for services. In past years, the state has appropriated about $20 million for road and ice removal, despite the fact that an average of $73 million annually is ultimately expended in this account. As a result, contractors who plow and sand as much as 90% of the state's roadways often wait for months before receiving payment for their services. In the meantime, they are required to pay their drivers, insure and fuel their vehicles, and incur other various expenses. Commissioner Paiewonsky testified that the Patrick Administration was developing a prompt payment proposal that would allow the Department to process payments to contractors in anticipation of passage of a supplemental budget. Sen. Moore asked if the new contracts would take into account the rising price of diesel fuel over the past year. The Commissioner noted in response to his question that the contractors would receive the same cost escalation provision provided to the Department for state plowing costs. Sen. Moore, and Committee Chairman Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, agreed to work with both sides and their legislative colleagues to promote passage of the proposed prompt payment legislation once it is filed by Governor Patrick. For more information on Sen. Moore's work in the Legislature, please visit www.senatormoore.com. |
