MWAA Audit Finds Questionable Expenses

Audit faults contracting, expenses on MWAA board

A $9,200 plane ticket to Prague and a $4,800 dinner bill over three nights for board members and guests on a Hawaii trip were just two items uncovered by a federal audit of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

The audit of the board that oversees Dulles and Reagan airports is questioning MWAA's policies for awarding contracts and reimbursing travel expenses.

The board has faced scrutiny over the last year for its management of a $6 billion project to extend Metrorail to Dulles Airport. Some commuters are angry that the financing plan relies heavily on raising rates on the Dulles Toll Road.

The interim audit report, requested by Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., found MWAA too often awarded contracts without competition. Board members' travel expenses were questioned, including the aforementioned $9,200 plane ticket to Prague and $4,800 dinner bill over three nights for board members and guests on a Hawaii trip.

The audit also found that "one Board member was reimbursed $238 for two bottles of wine purchased during a meal -- an allowable expense under MWAA’s Board policy."

You can read the full audit report by clicking here.

MWAA's director said Tuesday he's committed to addressing the issues raised by the audit.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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