Better tech could save Pennsylvania money

(Washington, DC) — A new study says Pennsylvania and other states are passing up the chance to save hundreds of millions of dollars by failing to adopt more tech-based methods of operating. 

The study comes from the Washington, DC-based  Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and states that investing in more IT-based methods of government could save Pennsylvania more than 391 million-dollars in a five year period. Foundation President Robert Atkinson says cost is a major reason states like Pennsylvania are not embracing  these solutions.  

“They are hesitant to put in a bunch of moeny now to save money later.  They just have less of a long term focus,” he said.

The study cited PennDOT as one example of how this could work. Since switching to mobile devices for a road and bridge inspection program in January 2013, the agency has seen a savings of 2.3-million-dollars.