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Audit Slams MDOT Over Road Warranties

A new report says the Michigan Department of Transportation has done a poor job of ensuring that road builders repair problems with their work.

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta.

Michigan started a warranty program to ensure road builders come back and repair problems. The report says the state hasn’t followed up to ensure the work gets done. 

Kirk Steudle is the director of the transportation department. He’s not disputing the problems outlined in the report. But Steudle says no other state has tried a road warranty program as expansive as Michigan’s.

       “We’re having to invent and evolve it as we go, so the audit reports help us do that,” he says.

Steudle says Michigan’s warranty program has been recognized as a national trend-setter.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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