In Georgia, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) develops and maintains all state and federal roadways. The GDOT regulates and improves state highways. The Georgia Department of Transportation provides a safe, seamless, and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to its citizens and environment.
The GDOT’s team of motivated professionals and quality-driven management maintains and improves mobility by providing a safe, seamless, intermodal, and environmentally-sensitive transportation system.
The functions of the GDOT include:
- planning, constructing, maintaining, and improving the state’s roads and bridges;
- providing planning and financial support for other modes of transportation such as mass transit and airports;
- providing airport and air safety planning;
- providing air travel to state departments;
- developing public transportation and general aviation programs in the state; and
- providing administrative support to the State Road and Tollway Authority and the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority[i].
The Georgia Department of Transportation has several different divisions. They are:
- Division of Administration;
- Chief Engineer;
- Communications Division;
- Division of Construction;
- Division of Equal Employment Opportunity;
- Division of Field Districts;
- Division of Information Technology;
- Division Legal Services;
- Division of Operations;
- Division of Planning, Data & Intermodal Development;
- Division of Preconstruction;
- Special Staff; and
- Treasurer
The GDOT is governed by a thirteen-member State Transportation Board (Board) which exercises general control and supervision of the Department.[ii]. The Board is charged with the general control and supervision of the department[iii]. The Board is composed of one member to be chosen from each congressional district of the state[iv].
The Board is entrusted with the following powers. They are:
- naming the Commissioner;
- designating which public roads are encompassed within the state highway system;
- approving long-range transportation plans;
- overseeing the administration of construction contracts; and
- authorizing lease agreements.
The GDOT has the authority to bring actions. It can be sued in such actions as permitted by law[v].
Georgia Department of Transportation
[i] O.C.G.A. § 32-2-2.
[ii] O.C.G.A. § 32-2-1.
[iii] O.C.G.A. § 32-2-21.
[iv] O.C.G.A. § 32-2-20.
[v] O.C.G.A. § 32-2-5.