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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A legislative audit of the Utah Department of Transportation found the agency builds better roads and highways for less than its competitors.
The audit considered the claim that local governments can build roads cheaper than U-D-O-T, because they get land donated, buy it for less and can avoid some federal regulations.
But auditors say the data proves that theory wrong.
They say U-D-O-T spends more on asphalt than local governments, but negotiates better deals. State-built roads also last longer, making them cheaper over time.
Auditors concluded U-D-O-T has a cost-effective road-building strategy.
The audit was among several reviewed by a panel of lawmakers today.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
