The Wisconsin Department of Transportation would have to account for inflation in its cost estimates for highway projects under a bill by the Legislature's Audit Committee.
The panel introduced the measure Tuesday at the conclusion of a hearing on a scathing audit of the Transportation Department. One of the biggest problems the audit found was that the department did not account for inflation that led to dramatic cost overruns.
The bill would incorporate recommendations of the audit. It would require the DOT to include all costs associated with the project, including inflation, when making an estimate for approval by the Transportation Projects Commission.
The DOT would also be required to report annually to the Legislature and explain any changes in initial cost estimates and whether projects are still on time.