Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo has introduced a resolution requesting the county’s department of public works implement a mobile app for residents to report potholes and other non-emergency road issues throughout Erie County.

The county’s current method for reporting potholes involves filling out an online form or calling a hotline. Given the technology available today, this system has become outdated, and complaints are not always handled in a timely fashion.  Similar to what Legislator Lorigo is proposing, the City of Buffalo has a “311 App” to report potholes and receive real-time updates on when crews will respond.

Legislator Lorigo said, “After recently learning of the 311 App in the City of Buffalo, I started to wonder why Erie County is so far behind in the times.  We’ve spent millions of dollars to implement Geography Information Systems (GIS) technology for a number of different programs in county government.  It’s time we use it for some of our most pressing issues:  Potholes and Road Repairs.  My offices handles hundreds of complaints about the condition of our county roads, and I have visited sites throughout my Legislative district in dire need of repair.  GIS technology would allow residents the opportunity to take a picture of a pothole, geotag it, and upload it directly to our County DPW.  After that, DPW can follow up and report its progress directly to the app so that residents know something is being done.  It’s a win-win for everyone, and I hope we can get it implemented as soon as possible.”

Legislator Lorigo’s resolution also requests the Department of Public Works issue an RFP process to select a group or business to design the app within 30 days of Legislature approval.