New PennDOT ePermitting Process Saves Time, Money for Job-Creating Businesses

HARRISBURG – Governor Tom Corbett was joined today by PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch to showcase how the agency’s new ePermitting process for Highway Occupancy Permits (HOPs) is saving time and money for job-creating businesses across the state.

“PennDOT’s new ePermitting process is a perfect example of my commitment to make state government more responsive and less bureaucratic,” said Governor Corbett. “Highway occupancy permits are now being processed in less than half the time compared to PennDOT’s old paper-based system, which means less down time for businesses and faster job creation.”

Each year, PennDOT issues approximately 15,000 such permits to businesses, utilities, developers, homeowners and municipalities wanting to complete projects that require access to state roadways. Until last October, permit applications were submitted by hand or mailed to PennDOT offices. Now the process is entirely electronic and applicants can easily check the status of their permit application online.

“Permits that once took 30 to 45 days to review are now being returned to our business partners within an average review time of about 10 days,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch. “Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re proud that the system is helping to deliver a more modern PennDOT.”

The new system not only saves time for PennDOT’s business partners, but also saves them money by reducing paper, mailing and reproduction costs. Also, the system’s transparency allows business partners to communicate directly with the reviewers and anticipate when the permit will be issued.

Governor Corbett has made reforming state government a key priority of his administration.  This includes cutting the size and cost of government, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars and re-examining how the state works with employers and business.

“One of the chief goals of my administration has been to cut red tape, to reduce spending and where we can, eliminate waste altogether,” Corbett said. “Above all, we look for ways that state government can do things more efficiently.”

PennDOT’s ePermitting system for Highway Occupancy Permits was recently presented with a regional Best Use of Innovation Award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Also, Governor Corbett today presented the Governor’s Innovator Award to two PennDOT employees, Glenn Rowe, P.E. and Roger Riley for their roles in developing PennDOT’s new electronic ePermitting system.

Also offering remarks today was Kevin Johnson, President of Pottstown-Based Traffic Planning and Design.