6/20/03-Gov. Gary Locke recently signed legislation into law requiring regular performance audits of transportation programs.
The new law – SB5748 – calls for an 11-member transportation performance audit board to review how money is spent and whether programs have value. The board will include five citizens, four lawmakers, the state auditor and a member appointed by the governor.
The board will administer performance reviews, and then determine whether more targeted audits are required.

5/7/03-The Legislature has approved a bill that would require regular performance audits of transportation programs.
SB5748 calls for an 11-member transportation performance audit board to review how money is spent and whether programs have value. The board would include five citizens, four lawmakers, the state auditor and a member appointed by the governor.
The board would administer performance reviews, and then determine whether more targeted audits are required.
The bill passed the Senate in March by a 49-0 vote and was approved in the House in April by a 97-0 vote. It now heads to the governor.

3/13/03-The Washington state Senate unanimously approved legislation March 11 that would require regular performance audits of transportation programs.
SB5748 calls for an 11-member transportation performance audit board to review how money is spent and whether programs have value. The board would include five citizens, four lawmakers, the state auditor and a member appointed by the governor.
The board would administer performance reviews, and then determine whether more targeted audits are required, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.
The bill now heads to the House. For bill status, call (360) 786-7573.

3/4/03-Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, R-45th District, recently unveiled a proposal to require regular, thorough audits of transportation programs.
Under SB5748, a 10-member board, to include lawmakers and lay members, would oversee performance audits.
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," wrote Finkbeiner. "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."
The bill is in the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (360) 786-7573.