Georgia's drought could soon put the brakes on road construction across the state. David Spear with the state's Department of Transportation says delays could soon be on the horizon.
"It's approaching a level where you could see some real impact on projects..where they'll have to start delaying things. We're not there yet, but it's on the horizon. Our people are talking to the Governor's folks, and Natural Resources, and our contractors as well".
Road contractors need water for concrete mixing, dust control on projects, and erosion control--which is federally mandated.
"Ideally, from the contractor's perspective, we love when it doesn't rain because it means they can go out and get their work done. We've certainly had more than enough of a good thing in terms of absence of rain for a while. We'd all take a few shut-down construction days if it meant we were going to get some decent rain" said Spear.
The drought problem could add to some recent criticism the GDOT has received. A recent state audit said Georgia is well behind other states in getting road projects to completion.
"It's approaching a level where you could see some real impact on projects..where they'll have to start delaying things. We're not there yet, but it's on the horizon. Our people are talking to the Governor's folks, and Natural Resources, and our contractors as well".
Road contractors need water for concrete mixing, dust control on projects, and erosion control--which is federally mandated.
"Ideally, from the contractor's perspective, we love when it doesn't rain because it means they can go out and get their work done. We've certainly had more than enough of a good thing in terms of absence of rain for a while. We'd all take a few shut-down construction days if it meant we were going to get some decent rain" said Spear.
The drought problem could add to some recent criticism the GDOT has received. A recent state audit said Georgia is well behind other states in getting road projects to completion.
