Formal and informal, extensive. Legislators and legislative staff develop direct lines of communication with NHDOT staff at every level of the agency. Communications are both formal and informal, depending on the circumstances. NHDOT staff are available to discuss issues involving transportation planning, funding and systems. Agency officials also appear regularly at public hearings before the House and Senate Transportation Committees. Legislators rely on this communication to consider all aspects of state transportation policy. NHDOT employs a director of policy and administration, who oversees the Office of Hearings and Legislation, among others (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §21-L:5-b).