Central Virginia - On September 23, 2010 Governor McDonnell delivered on his campaign promise to conduct a performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). In his press conference, the Governor announced the discovery of substantial operational inefficiencies and financial mismanagement at VDOT over the last two years. Governor McDonnell also announced the presence of $1 billion in funding available for transportation projects in the Commonwealth that had been neglected by the previous administration. As a result of the audit, approximately $614 million will be used to award construction and maintenance contracts within the next 12 months. The remaining $440 million can be utilized to accelerate projects in the Six-Year Improvement Program. Responding to the audit results, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) said that he was “concerned” by the discovery of substantial mismanagement and irresponsibility in VDOT at a time when state agencies are strapped for cash and many transportation projects have remained partially completed. Steps are now being taken to efficiently allocate the money to transportation projects across the state.
“During the campaign, the Governor pledged to bring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the Capitol and Virginia state agencies- I am delighted that Governor McDonnell has taken another step closer to fulfilling this promise by demanding better stewardship by state employees and more responsible utilization of our state funds. Individuals and families all over the Commonwealth of Virginia are adapting to these difficult economic times by tightening their belts and changing spending habits- our state agencies should be doing the same,” stated Peace.
The Governor’s official press release containing a summary of the details of the audit’s findings may be found at:
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=397
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The 97th District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.
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