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Prasad confirmed as DOT Secretary

DOT Secretary Ananth Prasad
DOT Secretary Ananth Prasad

By James Call

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-987507.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad got an easy vote for confirmation from the Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday. James Call nreports that although Prasad got no hard questions he did get an earful of criticism about the Department of Transportation not doing enough to help businesses inconvenienced by road construction.

Two Tampa area senators criticized Prasad for what they say are examples of the
Transportation Department not talking to local businesses about how road projects will proceed. Brandon Senator Rhonda Storms said her constituents believe DOT ignores the problems it creates for mom and pop businesses. And Tampa Senator Jim Norman said the department does a terrible job communicating with local businesses about how long their entrances will be closed.

"They could. They basically were out of business for six months eight months. We had mayors calling you of those small cities trying to get some recognition. We had your people out on site. We could get no relief, whatsoever."

Prasad agreed that change is needed. He called the situation unacceptable and said he will look into it.