[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN 
     TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS THROUGH PUBLIC INSPECTION ACT OF 2015

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                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2015

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, historically on transportation projects, 
the construction inspector is the eyes, ears, and voice of the public. 
Inspectors ensure that construction standards are met, that projects 
meet safety requirements, and that the materials used will stand the 
test of time. In short, they are there to ensure that the motoring 
public gets what they pay for, and that public safety and the public 
interest are protected.
  Outsourcing public inspection functions on State and local surface 
transportation projects eliminates a representative of the public from 
the construction site and puts a private company in charge of 
inspecting the work of the private construction company. This can 
create potential conflicts of interest. Unfortunately, across the 
nation, some departments of transportation are outsourcing public 
inspection with poor results.
  That is why I am introducing today the Safety, Efficiency, and 
Accountability in Transportation Projects through Public Inspection Act 
to require public employees to perform the inspection and related 
essential public functions on all state and local transportation 
projects. This bill is intended to ensure that public safety is 
protected, transportation funds are not wasted, and projects are 
delivered in a timely manner.

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