A
Washington state senator recently unveiled plans to require regular,
thorough audits of transportation programs, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.
Under
SB5748, a 10-member board, to include lawmakers and lay members,
would oversee performance audits.
The
House already approved a similar proposal, HB1121, making it nearly
certain that an auditing bill will make its way to the governor’s
desk this session, according to the newspaper.
Proponents
say rebuilding public trust is important if voters are ever to support
more revenue for transportation.
“It
is essential that the Legislature improve the accountability and
efficiency of transportation-related agencies. Taxpayers must know
that their tax dollars are being well spent to deliver critically
needed transportation projects and services,” Sen. Bill Finkbeiner,
R-King County, wrote. “To accomplish this, the transportation performance
audit board is created and a system of transportation performance
audits is established to provide oversight and accountability of
transportation-related agencies.”
