<p>COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia is moving forward with a comprehensive Pavement Management and Preservation Program aimed at bringing data discipline to road maintenance decisions, according to a city announcement from April. The city has partnered with Alfred Benesch and Company and subconsultant Citylogix to assess conditions across all 235 centerline miles of city roadway using LiDAR imaging and 360-degree high-definition data collection.</p><p>Mayor Chaz Molder said the program is about making informed investments that benefit Columbia for years to come. City Manager Tony Massey added that reliable data will allow the city to prioritize projects more effectively and extend the life of the road system. The initiative will result in a full Pavement Management Plan, standardized project specifications, budget scenarios, and public education materials — giving taxpayers a clear picture of where their dollars are going.</p><p>Data collection began in April, with analysis and program development to follow. Residents who have long noticed certain streets being patched repeatedly while others go years without attention may finally see a more strategic, accountable approach take hold. That is exactly the kind of fiscal discipline Columbia taxpayers deserve.</p>