Iowa Department of Transportation $1.3 million pilot project to equip satellite tracking gear on its entire fleet of snowplows has saved taxpayers an estimated $3 million annually since it was deployed three years ago. Using the GPS technology to guide its snow-fighting efforts, the department reduced material and fuels costs while improving road maintenance operations across the state. Planners say last year’s advances in the technology saved an additional $100,000 through efficiencies. The systems’ onboard technologies let managers use real-time information to make staffing and travel decisions by Iowa DOT’s staff. This information is also available to commuters, media outlets, and law enforcement agencies via a public website, which lets its users see the locations of all plows on the primary highway system.
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