Budget cuts means different strategy for MODOT - KOAM TV 7

Cut backs in Missouri Department of Transportation's funds means fewer projects for the next few years.

The statewide Transportation Improvement Program will begin in 2013, consisting of smaller road re-surfacing type projects.

However, the budget dropped from an average of $1.2 billion to $700 million.

To help with cutbacks the department has laid off 20% of its employees statewide as well as closing over 100 buildings.

"We look at better ways to do things and it's that philosophy, we call it the practical philosophy, that has kind of driven our projects and the huge savings that we've been able to maintain," says MODOT Assistant District Engineer Dan Salisbury.

MODOT has saved about $175 million.