A Mississippi welcome sign near in Vicksburg. Credit: TravelingOtter/FlickrThe Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has created a video series that highlights the “transparency and accountability” of the department for Mississippi taxpayers, with a heavy emphasis on funding sources.
The videos use a simplistic, “hand drawn” means of animation to highlight specific data points, such as the breakdown of federal and state funding for bridge and road repairs.
The videos are broken out into five categories:
Accountability
“A primary goal of MDOT is to be transparent and efficient in all operations. Being accountable to the taxpayer is paramount in all agency duties. There are multiple mechanisms in place that provide oversight for MDOT’s funding, policies and operations. Learn more about Legislative oversight, the Transportation Commission, and other measures that ensure MDOT remains accountable.”
Funding: Where it comes from and where it goes
“MDOT’s funding for state fiscal year 2016 was approximately $1.06 billion. Of this, half came from federal sources, and the other half came from state sources. Learn more about where MDOT’s funding comes from and where it goes.”
Funding: What is a Pothole?
“Potholes are a common sight to Mississippi motorists. Learn more about how potholes are formed, and what it takes to repair them.”
First Responders
“MDOT workers go above and beyond their normal duties to become first responders during an emergency. From de-icing the roadways after a winter storm to removing tree limbs following a tornado, these hardworking employees provide a vital service that helps save the lives of people in Mississippi.”
Equipment
“MDOT crews depend on functional and reliable equipment to preserve the state’s roads and protect the traveling public. From day-to-day roadway maintenance to emergency response, these vehicles are a critical factor in maintaining Mississippi’s 30,000 state-owned highway miles and over 5,000 bridges that support 90 percent of the state’s commercial traffic and 60 percent of all traffic.”
The current episodes are available on YouTube here. More information on the funding of roads and bridges is available at www.GoMDOT.com/betterfundingbetterroads
