Building Connections: FY 2019-20 annual report available online

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Building Connections: FY 2019-20 Annual Report has been published online by Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT).

It is the first time LUT has published an annual report that is online only.

“We moved many of our services, meetings, processes and communications online due the COVID pandemic, and it seemed natural to have our annual report reflect that," said Stephen Roberts, LUT Director. "Staff produced and participated in videos, created animated graphics and maps and provided some opportunities for viewers to comment on some of the topics."

Moving away from a printed annual report was one of the department's long-term goals. The online format allows for interactivity and immediate feedback, attracts a wider audience, is less expensive and more sustainable.

"Our plan was to gradually incorporate more online elements while reducing print content over several years," Roberts said. "But COVID eliminated our ability to distribute printed copies, as we have traditionally relied on in-person events as our primary distribution method."

In FY 2019-20, LUT staff managed 97 road projects in design or development - an increase of 106% over the last five fiscal years. Transportation planners conducted the First and Last Mile project study, asking Washington County travelers to share their experiences getting to and from public transportation. Using a new online open house format, people interested in this study and others were able to learn more and submit comments in a user-friendly website.

During Fiscal Year 2019-20, other LUT activities included:

• Automated the County's snow zone notification system, part of the ongoing implementation of intelligent transportation systems technology.
• Completed 56,720 building inspections.
• Completed the Significant Natural Resources (SNR) Program Review and Assessment.
• Maintained pavement conditions on County roads at or above target levels.

Learn about more LUT activities in Building Connections: FY 2019-20 Annual Report at LUTannualreport19-20.org.

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the County roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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