RESOLUTION NO. 111
Presented by ________________________
WHEREAS, a well developed and
maintained system of roads is an essential component of the
State’s overall infrastructure, and critical from an
economic development perspective;
WHEREAS, the State budget proposed
for Fiscal Year 1998 contains a 12.5 percent decrease in road
spending from Fiscal Year 1997 levels;
WHEREAS, officials have projected
further shortfalls in the State’s Road Fund for future years
and concluded that additional revenue may be needed to maintain
Illinois roads;
WHEREAS, questions have been raised
whether Illinois is efficiently using its existing roadbuilding
funds;
WHEREAS, published accounts have
reported that in recent years Illinois has paid more than other
states for certain roadbuilding costs, including 91 cents for a
pound of reinforcing steel compared to the national average of 55
cents, and $31.66 for a ton of asphalt compared to $27.37 paid by
Indiana; therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT
COMMISSION that the Auditor General is directed to conduct a
management audit of the Illinois Department of
Transportation’s road construction program; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that this audit shall
include, but not be limited to, the following determinations:
Whether the costs paid by the Illinois Department of
Transportation for roadbuilding materials are comparable
with costs paid by other Midwestern states;
If Illinois’ costs are significantly different than
other Midwestern states, determine the cause for such
differences; and
Whether changes in the Department of
Transportation’s procurement methods are warranted;
and be it further
RESOLVED that all State agencies,
including the Department of Transportation, and all other
entities which may have information relevant to this audit shall
cooperate fully and promptly with the Office of the Auditor
General in the conduct of this audit; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Auditor General
commence this audit as soon as possible and report his findings
and recommendations upon completion to the Legislative Audit
Commission, the Governor, ad members of the General Assembly in
accordance with the provisions of the Illinois State Auditing
Act.
Adopted this _______ day of
______________________, 1997.
________________________________
Senator Thomas J. Walsh
Cochairman
_________________________________
Representative Terry W. Deering
Cochairman