Rell Orders CTDOT Audit

Today's Courant reports that Governor Rell has ordered that an independent auditor investigate the I-84 project that recently was reported to have serious catch basin problems. More importantly

Rell said the auditor, which had not been hired at the time of Rell's announcement late Monday, also will review the internal oversight capabilities of the state Department of Transportation, which bid the project and is ultimately responsible for it.
The governor said she would instruct the auditor to review all contracts the DOT has awarded to DeFelice and Maguire for compliance and quality of the work performed. In addition, she said, the auditor "will conduct a top-to-bottom review of the DOT's internal oversight processes.

"I will not permit a highway contractor and an oversight contractor to, in effect, defraud the DOT and our taxpayers. Those who seek to cheat the state will be held accountable," Rell said. "Where change is required, no matter how large or small, we will make changes." (Courant)"

This is the right first step, for this incident. But the CTDOT problems extend beyond contracting oversight. A good question for the governor to ask is why CTDOT management fails to hold utility companies responsible for substandard patching? And if those completion bonds are being released without qualified inspections.

The Courant, I-84 Project To Be Audited, By EDMUND H. MAHONY 10/03/06.