An audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation, released Thursday by the Office of the Governor, has uncovered $1.45 billion available for transportation projects.
The audit highlighted 50 findings, including $877 million of funds that went unspent during the past two fiscal years and $100 million in projects delayed as a result of partial funding.
According to a press release, Gov. Bob McDonnell believes the "audit demonstrates that available funding has not been effectively used in the past few years."
Of the $1.58 billion available for maintenance during the fiscal year 2009, only $1.23 billion was used, leaving $348 million carrying over to the next year. During the fiscal year 2010, $529 million out of the available $1.66 billion remained unused, according to the audit report.
To improve the allocation of funds, the audit report suggests changes in the management and policy of VDOT.
"We will not tolerate inefficiency or mismanagement at VDOT or any other state agency," McDonnell stated.
Because of the audit, there likely will be an increase in oversight of VDOT, said Isaac Wood, media relations coordinator for the Center for Politics and a former Cavalier Daily opinion columnist.
"People are going to be watching it much more closely on both sides of the aisle, trying to uncover other similar [mistakes]," Wood said.
Wood also said he believes the results will be met with frustration from the public.
"Given that the last legislative session ended with very deep budget cuts, people are going to be frustrated that budget cuts were made" with additional discovered funds, Wood said.
According to the audit report, VDOT was "hesitant" to use all available funds because of the economic downturn.
"I appreciate that the VDOT management employed a cautious approach during a period of great financial uncertainty and did not over-obligate funds," Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw stated in a press release following the audit.
Because of the reaction to the findings, however, VDOT plans to distribute $800-$900 million in maintenance and construction contracts by the end of December.
"Every penny we have available for transportation should be quickly used for construction, paving, bridge and other maintenance contracts," Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton said.
McDonnell ordered the performance and financial audit of VDOT shortly after taking office, and the audit began in April.
"We wanted to make certain that VDOT was spending the taxpayers money as efficiently as possible," Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling stated in the press release.
House Speaker William Howell said he is "delighted" that these funds have become available.
"Allowing for the immediate obligation of over $1.4 billion for transportation projects across Virginians will mean more bang for taxpayers buck, more relief for congestion-weary drivers and more jobs and economic opportunities," Howell stated.
Read More
U.Va. researchers identify that HIV drugs can protect against Alzheimer’s disease
By Lauren Seeliger | YesterdayDoctor Jayakrishna Ambati and his research team have begun work on a new drug called K9 which could treat and prevent Alzheimer’s.
Graduating students share their future plans as they enter the job market
By Nina Broderick | 3 days agoMany students find the Career Center to be a valuable tool during the job search and application process.
U.Va.’s Finals Weekend spotlights the achievement and service of the Class of 2025
By Leigh Bailey | 4 days agoIn University President Jim Ryan’s welcome address, he acknowledged the support of family members and friends present in the audience and beyond that played supportive roles in these graduates’ lives.
