Recently, MITA became increasingly aware of a growing trend of public owners incorporating exculpatory contract provisions that shift the risk of utility locating and relocation to the contractor on their public works projects. In response to this growing trend, MITA has conducted exhaustive research on the issue of whether the

September 27, 2016 — Randy Van Portfliet, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) deputy chief engineer, bureau director of Field Services, and Superior Region engineer, recently announced his plans to retire at the end of this year. “It’s hard to put into words, what MDOT means to me,” Van Portfliet said.