Engler praises innovative public/private partnership that will lead to savings

Governor Engler today announced a unique partnership between the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Info Tech, a software company from Gainesville, Florida. This partnership led to development of FieldManager, an innovative computer software program to track and manage road and bridge construction projects throughout the state.

"This is another example of how public/private partnerships can reduce costs to taxpayers and increase government efficiency," said Governor Engler. The agreement, which allows Info Tech to market and license the software, carries no costs for the state. In fact, the Department will receive ongoing training, support and version upgrades from Info Tech, as well as royalties from the sale of FieldManager to other states and organizations across the country.

"This agreement is consistent with my goal of putting more of our state transportation dollars into preserving our roads and less into administrative overhead," said James DeSana, MDOT Director. The new software system will add an estimated 22 percent increase in functionality for the Department, valued at approximately $1.1 million. The Department will also save $75,000 per year in training and technical support services.