Orr: GOP would reform DOT

Bob Orr said the Republicans can do a better job at managing the N.C. Department of Transportation.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate said at a press conference today that Democratic control of the department has led to a lack of accountability.

"We're going to change the culture to put the public interest ahead of the special interests," he said.

The plan listed four key areas of reform:

* Appoint professionals to the Board of Transportation and ensure accountability through an open project approval process and rewards for productive department employees.

* Reorganize the department into geographic regions and place the N.C. Turnpike Authority under the department umbrella.

* Set measurable goals and establish minimum qualifications to sit on the board while reducing its size to 14 members.

* Utilize funds efficiently through consolidation and outsourcing and expand financing through the use of toll roads and public-private partnerships.