WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a new Two-Minute State DOT Update video produced by AASHTO’s Transportation TV, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Terry Bellamy talks about the District of Columbia’s extraordinary responsibility of meeting the needs of a growing metropolitan region while also satisfying the unique responsibilities associated with being the nation’s capital.

Bellamy says the biggest challenge facing his agency is finding the funds needed to pay for vital infrastructure upgrades such as the $300 million 11th Street Bridge replacement project. Started in December 2009, the project replaces two existing bridges with three new bridges. When completed in mid-2013, the project will provide separate freeway and local traffic connections in both directions and it will offer a shared path for pedestrians and bicycles. Rails will allow future streetcar connections.

DDOT next must find an estimated $800 million to replace the 61-year old Frederick Douglass Bridge.

“What’s facing DDOT right now is that the District is only made up of 600,000 people, yet millions of visitors and daily commuters travel in and out the city every year,” Bellamy says. “Our citizens pay taxes like we’re a state and people expect to see the big projects. We’re trying not to borrow and put additional debt on District residents, and that leaves us with fewer options.”

Bellamy urges Congress to reauthorize federal highway, bridge, and transit programs and provide the essential, dedicated funding transportation departments across the country need.

DDOT is also looking internally at ways to improve efficiency and deliver projects faster to reduce costs and travel delays. Innovative programs like “bike sharing” and pay-by-phone parking have been instituted by DDOT to reduce traffic congestion and give the public additional travel options.

“What I’m most proud of is we’re able to provide quality services with flat budgets,” Bellamy says. “Our budget has actually been shrinking and we’re being forced to reinvent ourselves every day with the goal of providing District residents and visitors with the kind of transportation systems they need and expect.”

Watch Bellamy’s entire interview and other Two-Minute State DOT Update videos at www.TransportationTV.org.