THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE’S OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL SAYS IT’S FOUND THAT CITY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES FELL SHORT IN THEIR INSPECTION OF THE ELECTRIC BUSES FOR THE A-R-T PROJECT. THE EMPLOYEES INSPECTED THE BUSES AT THE MANUFACTURER’S PLANT IN CALIFORNIA.
KOB TV REPORTS THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE ALSO FOUND THAT CITY OFFICIALS DIPPED INTO BOND MONEY MEANT FOR OTHER PROJECTS WHILE THE CITY WAITS FOR THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION GRANT FOR 75-MILLION DOLLARS. THE CITY WON’T QUALIFY FOR THAT GRANT MONEY IF IT DOESN’T COMPLY WITH THE “BUY AMERICA ACT.” THE ACT REQUIRES MOST OF THE PARTS MADE FOR THE BUSES TO BE MADE IN THE U-S.
