DMR audit finds ‘widespread conflicts of interest’
After more than a year of investigation and negotiation, the federal government still isn’t satisfied with the Department of Marine Resource’s handling of the Coast Impact Assistance Program.
DMR Director Jamie Miller said he’s just glad to finally see where DMR stands.
“I’m just glad it’s out,” he said. “Many of those issues and concerns were not surprises.
“We can now move forward correcting issues identified by the OIG in our grant administration and oversight.”
An audit released Monday describes “widespread conflicts of interest” involving land purchases the DMR oversaw, deficient land appraisals, splitting of contracts that circumvented state bid laws, grant awards that failed to meet CIAP criteria and improper charges to CIAP grants.
Sun Herald
7/1/13
Magnolia Tribune
