Audit Rips Caltrans Oversight On Falsified Construction Test Data
SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- A report by the California state auditor says two Caltrans technicians who tested foundations for construction projects claimed hundreds hours of overtime and specialized testing work they did not perform. They also falsified testing data on 11 projects.
The report released Thursday by State Auditor Elaine Howle says the transportation agency took no action to determine whether the structures were safe after initially learning of the falsified reports. In a subsequent reviews, Caltrans has said the bridges are safe.
Howle says two staffers claimed over 260 hours of overtime and extra testing they didn't perform, collecting nearly $14,000 to which they were not entitled. Her review was prompted by a whistleblower complaint in 2009.
The report says the employees' supervisor made no attempt to verify they worked the extra time.
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