Georgia's transportation board approves increased disadvantaged business support

Georgia's State Transportation Board (STB) unanimously approved a measure Thursday that will encourage and promote participation in state Department of Transportation (GA DOT) projects funded by the Transportation Funding Act of 2015.

Currently evaluating a disparity study to help develop the department’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals over the next three years, GA DOT has engaged Griffin & Strong P.C. to examine efforts related to federally funded projects.

DBE goals are determined for a triennial period in compliance with federal regulations. The 2012 study resulted in a 15 percent participation goal for certain minorities. According to STB Chair Don Grantham, a significant number of contractors used the services of minority, women, veteran and small businesses on projects following the 2010 Transportation Investment Act.

“This resolution is similar to the one the board passed related to the use of funds from the Transportation Investment Act,” Grantham said. “Today’s resolution provides another chance for us to reaffirm our commitment to be inclusive and provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes to participate on GA DOT projects.”

At the STB’s Equal Access Committee Wednesday meeting to review the 2015 Disparity Study’s scope, state Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) expressed appreciation to committee members for their efforts on behalf of DBE and small businesses.