WASHINGTON – The agency tasked with overseeing the multi-billion dollar Dulles Rail Project says a recent scathing report does not fully represent their financial dealings and levels of accountability.
Leaders from the 13-member Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority responded Wednesday to claims from an Inspector General audit stating the agency has lax management and accountability, and spent public money on lavish trips and dinners.
“We have already been addressing many of the the significant issues that were identified,” says Jack Potter, president of the authority.
“This is a well-run body,” he says. “Not by me; It’s been well run for many, many years.”
The $6 billion Dulles Rail Project, heavily subsidized by taxpayer dollars, is the largest transportation project in the region.
“My bottom line is this: Where we have administrative or oversight deficiencies, I’m committed to seeing them corrected,” says Michael Curto, MWAA board chair. “I’m confident we’ll make the necessary improvements so everyone can have the confidence that MWAA is as well run as any public body in the country.”
Curto points to other projects managed under the agency, such as Dulles International and Reagan National airports, which are well managed.
“We have more to do, and that’s exactly how we are going to proceed,” he says.
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WTOP’s Adam Tuss contributed to this report. Follow Adam and WTOP on Twitter.
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