Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Gena Abraham told the State Transportation Board that the department will begin meetings immediately to develop a strategic plan that can be understood and embraced by all of its employees.

Abraham said the department’s executive staff in the coming weeks will be drafting a detailed action plan to address and solve problems within the department.

She said she wants to “move forward” with a defined action plan that will include revamping financial systems and project prioritization.

Also, the commissioner said she wanted the Monitor Group, a consultant which recently conducted an audit of department operations, to “come back and define the roles and responsibilities of the board and the commissioner.”

The board also announced it will conduct two of its monthly sessions in 2008 outside of its headquarters in Atlanta.

The communities that will host the 13-member board are Houston County and Toccoa in Stephens County. Dates for the visits have not been determined.

The board left open the option of selecting a third community for an out-of-town board meeting.

Board member Bill Kuhlke of Augusta, representing the 10th Congressional District, recommended Toccoa; Board member Larry Walker of Perry, representing the 8th Congressional District, recommended Houston County.

State law requires the board meet monthly at least nine times a year at its headquarters in Atlanta. For other meetings, the board can vote to meet outside of Atlanta. Board members use the out-of-town sessions to meet with local officials and learn more about local concerns and inspect project sites in the communities they visit.

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