Document text
1 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Century-old practice of writing graffiti in Mount Ashland lichen has to stop, forest officials warn ... Emergency Services, Sept. 13 ... Central Point woman who died in house fire identified ... Century-old practice of writing graffiti in Mount Ashland lichen has to stop, forest officials warn ... Emergency Services, Sept. 13 ... Central Point woman who died in house fire identified ... OTHER VIEWS Other Views: ODOT's paving program hits a pothole Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Sep. 12, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Sep 12, 2016 at 9:46 AM Posted Sep. 12, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Sep 12, 2016 at 9:46 AM » Social News The (Pendleton) East Oregonian Add potential fraud to the lengthening list of problems with Oregon's Department of Transportation. Well known for its exaggerated forecasts and increasing bonded indebtedness despite higher taxes, a recent article shed light on the agency's vulnerability to fraud in road repairs. Nick Budnick of Pamplin Media reported that ODOT's road-paving inspection program has more cracks than just about any of the worst streets in Pendleton. The report revealed that: Asphalt contractors can game ODOT's inspections and compromise road quality, leading to premature potholes and further costly repairs. Oregon does not track asphalt quality results systematically or use testing methods common in other states. Contractors often know in advance where and when ODOT will conduct asphalt inspections. Worse, these vulnerabilities have been well known to ODOT management since at least 2005. That's when the Federal Highway Administration pointed out these issues in a nationwide report and made recommendations for improvement. Eight years later, the feds conducted a new study and reached the same conclusions. Another federal report described the quality checks used by Oregon as "very weak," saying they "will only detect severe problems with contractor test results." Former ODOT employees also have called attention to the agency's lax oversight system. "Quality control was not taken seriously," a long-time quality control specialist told Budnick. A former internal auditor for ODOT said there is a "huge risk of fraud." A former quality assurance specialist said that while there are plenty of good road contractors, "it is easy for a contractor to falsify documentation." ODOT managers downplay these concerns. They claim there is no evidence that contractors are gaming the system. But they note that the state has suspended several contractor technicians, one of whom was suspected of fraud. Doing nothing and refusing to acknowledge the potential for fraud despite repeated warnings is a glaring example of wrong at ODOT — an agency that will collects $4.6 billion in revenue this biennium. Legislators should keep that in mind as they craft a new transportation spending bill. Taxpayers ought to remain skeptical when ODOT asks for higher taxes and fees. Reform must come before more revenue. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Sep. 12, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Sep 12, 2016 at 9:46 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501