LANSING -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced Thursday several significant changes that will consolidate or close eight facilities, with a staff that has 15 percent fewer employees than in 2009.

The plan includes consolidating MDOT's Grayling office into the region office, which is located in Gaylord.  Employees from Grayling will now report to Gaylord.

"The changes we are announcing today show our commitment to working better, faster, cheaper, safer and smarter for the benefit of Michigan residents and businesses," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Our actions show we are committed to consolidating services internally, making smart financial choices to leverage more funding, and partnering with other transportation companies and agencies to save dollars."

"This reorganization provides value to taxpayers, focuses on the needs of the driving public and employs best practices," said State Transportation Commission Chairman Jerry Jung.

"I commend Director Steudle and his leadership team for making difficult but forward-looking decisions to right-size the department and emphasize core functions."

Leaders on legislative committees with MDOT oversight expressed support for the reorganization.

"The strategic steps the department announced today will allow MDOT to more efficiently serve the state's transportation needs," said Sen. Tom Casperson, chairman, Senate Transportation Committee. "Although there were certainly some difficult decisions to be made, this reorganization will allow MDOT to more effectively focus on its essential operations."

"Reorganizing the department is a prudent and necessary step in having a smaller but more effective government," said Rep. Paul Opsommer, chairman, House Transportation Committee. "Reorganizing will allow MDOT to better focus on its core missions."

"As we continue to reinvent Michigan for the 21st Century, we must be willing to think in new ways that take full advantage of technology to deliver services to Michigan residents more efficiently and effectively," said Sen. John Pappageorge, chairman, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. "I think Director Steudle has accomplished this feat without sacrificing service delivery, and so I support MDOT's reorganization."

"I am very excited that MDOT is finally focused on becoming a leaner and more efficient organization and getting more funding into roads," said Rep. David Agema, chairman, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation.

Steudle noted that by Oct. 1, 2011, MDOT would close, consolidate or eliminate eight MDOT facilities, saving an estimated $300,000 per year in rent and utilities. The department will close three Transportation Services Centers (TSC) in Cass City, Howard City and Grayling, with their duties covered by the closest region office. The Escanaba TSC also will be closed and the duties absorbed by other Upper Peninsula TSCs. The Superior Region Office in Escanaba will remain open. The Macomb and Port Huron TSCs will be combined into one facility.

Three construction field offices will close in Tecumseh, Allen Park and Rockford; their duties absorbed by other existing, nearby offices.

"We are committed to providing the same level of customer service in these areas," said Steudle, "but now there are fewer locations, or perhaps more mobile offices. The business world calls it 'meaner and leaner' but we call it 'smarter.' Our Lansing staff is also consolidating offices."

"We have 15 percent fewer staff than two years ago, which is worth an estimated $45 million to the department in potential state and federal funds, plus we have chosen not to fill 60 manager or supervisor positions. We have curtailed hiring in anticipation of fewer federal dollars and the basic need of state government to trim staff," said Steudle.

Here are some key points of the changes:

- MDOT staff has nearly 15 percent fewer employees since 2009

- Decision not to fill 60 supervisor/manager positions

- Closing or consolidating eight facilities

For more details on the specifics of MDOT's reorganization, click on THIS LINK.