1-31-17 dot audit-react

The senate Republican leader says a DOT audit shows the Department needs an overhaul.  The legislative fiscal bureau report shows the DOT underestimated costs for major highway projects by more than $3.8 billion on projects completed over the past decade and the condition of state roads has deteriorated and slipped below the national average.  Senate majority leader Scott Fitzgerald says he’s confident DOT will take immediate steps to improve.  “It paints a picture of an agency that is somewhat antiquated,”  Fitzgerald told WFDL news.  Democratic state representative Katrina Shankland says the number, in the billions of dollars, is “shocking.”   Shankland says the audit shows the state could save a significant amount by consistently  maintaining roads.