Hundreds of North Carolina Transportation Workers to be Laid Off

North Carolina’s Transportation Department says it’ll lay off hundreds of workers to help cover the ballooning cost of storm damage repairs and legal expenses.

News outlets report that layoffs will include contractual and temporary laborers such as those who patch potholes, inspect construction sites and review highway plans.

Chief Operating Officer Bobby Lewis said NCDOT is reviewing more than 1,000 positions, although he said the exact number of layoffs or how much will be saved from them isn’t clear.

Lewis said NCDOT considers the move temporary with hopes to rehire some workers next year.

The cost saving measure comes as two massive expenses weigh on the department’s budget – about $300 million in weather-related costs and what’s projected to be $1 billion in legal fees for settling lawsuits.